West Park murder: Boy who 'raped and killed 14-year-old girl in Wolverhampton' set to stand trial
A 16-year-old boy is accused of raping and murdering Viktorija Sokolova before having sex with her dead body.
The trial of a 16-year-old youth accused of the murder of a 14-year-old girl who was found dead in Wolverhampton's West Park is scheduled to start today.
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons because of his age, is also accused of rape and having sex with her dead body.
The body of Viktorija Sokolova was discovered near the lake in the 43-acre park on April 12.
The girl, known as Tori, had been reported missing by her family the day before the discovery.
A post mortem examination revealed she had died from 'blunt force trauma' to the head.
Forensic officers combed the area for several days following the find.
Schoolgirl Viktorija, who was born in Lithuania, was described as a 'little angel' by her devastated family at the time of her death.
Dozens of teddy bears, flowers, cards, photos and other tributes were left outside West Park, which stayed closed for a week after Viktorija's body was found near the lake inside.
Around 700 balloons were also tied to the park gates, with the balloons sold for £1 and the money raised going to Viktorija's family.
Meanwhile a Facebook fundraising page raised more than £6,000, but the money had to be repaid to each donor because the campaign's organiser was under 18.
Viktorija had been a student at King’s School in the city up until December last year, and also spent time at St Edmunds.
Viktorija's family said: “Viktorija was like a little angel, she made our lives so colourful and full of meaning.
"We can’t believe she has left us at such a young age. We will never forget you our sweetheart.
"You will be living in our hearts, soul and mind forever. Goodbye our little angel.”
The jury were empanelled on Monday for the trial which will be held in front of Mr Justice Baker and is expected to last around three weeks.
