Trust Gangata murder: Everything we know so far about Armley stabbing after four men charged over killing

Four men accused of murder are due to stand trial after a 17-year-old boy was stabbed to death at a house party in Leeds.
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Here’s everything we know so far about the West Yorkshire Police investigation into the fatal stabbing in the Armley area of the city.

What happened?

Police responded to reports of a disturbance at a house party in Salisbury Grove, Armley, at 2.48am on Sunday March 19. A further call was received from the ambulance service who were responding reports of a man having been stabbed at the address.

Police have named the victim as local 17-year-old Trust Junior Jordan Gangata. Pictures: Bruce Rollinson/WYPPolice have named the victim as local 17-year-old Trust Junior Jordan Gangata. Pictures: Bruce Rollinson/WYP
Police have named the victim as local 17-year-old Trust Junior Jordan Gangata. Pictures: Bruce Rollinson/WYP
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Officers attended and dispersed people from the area around the address, and the victim, a 17-year-old boy from Leeds, was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later. Detectives from West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team are treating his death as murder.

Has the victim been named?

Police named the victim as local 17-year-old Trust Junior Jordan Gangata, known to his family and friends as TJ.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Weekes, the Senior Investigating Officer in the case, said: “Trust’s family are going through an incredibly difficult time, and we have specially trained family liaison officers supporting them. Trust’s family have asked that people respect their privacy as they try to come to terms with having him taken from them in such sudden and violent circumstances."

Trust studied at Notre Dame Sixth Form College, which has paid tribute to a “friendly, sociable, and kind student who always contributed positively in class”. They tweeted: “The College community is devastated by this news and we have him, his family, and his friends in our thoughts and prayers.”

Who has been charged with Trust’s murder?

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Paul Mbwasse, 18, of Walpole Road, Crosland Moor, Huddersfield; Karlson Ogie, 18, of Bierley House Avenue, Bierley, Bradford; Karl Belinga, 19, of Brendon Walk, Holme Wood, Bradford, and Brandon Paradzai, 19, of Coleshill Way, Bierley, Bradford, have been charged with the murder.

All four men were remanded into custody after their first appearance at Leeds Magistrates’ Court. They were due to appear at Leeds Crown Court on March 24 when it was expected that they would enter pleas and any bail applications would be heard.

When will their trial take place?

The four defendants appeared at Leeds Crown Court on March 24 for a preliminary hearing. None of them entered a plea and a preliminary trial date was set for September 18. A plea and trial preparation hearing is planned for April 20. They were all remanded into custody.

What did neighbours say about the incident?

One neighbour said: “It’s just so sad. Another young life cut short and his poor family – on Mother’s Day as well. He was probably just out having a good time on a Saturday night and this happens.”

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Another added: “I heard sirens last night but I never thought much of it until I got up this morning. Unfortunately crime isn’t uncommon around here but never anything like this.”

And what have police said?

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Weekes said: “The loss of a young life in such sudden and violent circumstances is an absolute tragedy. We are continuing to support this young man’s family at what is clearly an incredibly difficult time for them, and we are committed to getting them the answers they need as we progress our enquiries.”

What should I do if I have information?

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team via 101 quoting Operation Pedalbourne reference 13230154405 or online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat. Information can also be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.