Kayla Smith, 18, Archie Rycroft, 19, and a 17-year-old boy who cannot be named have all pleaded not guilty to the murder of 16-year-old Chloe Watson Dransfield in March this year
12:21, 01 May 2026Updated 19:54, 01 May 2026
Chloe Watson died in Leeds after being stabbed(Image: West Yorkshire Police)
Three teenagers charged with the killing of 16-year-old Chloe Watson Dransfield have entered pleas just days before her funeral.
Chloe, from West Yorkshire, died after being found with stab wounds at around 6am on March 28.
Kayla Smith, 18, of Kennerleigh Avenue, Archie Rycroft, 19, of Middleton Park Road, and a 17-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons, were charged with murder earlier this year, LeedsLive reports.
The three appeared at Leeds Crown Court on Friday where they all entered not guilty pleas. The trio were charged with murder earlier this year and have already appeared before the Magistrates’ and Crown courts in Leeds.
Kayla Smith
Yesterday at Leeds Crown Court a trial date was confirmed for November 10 this year. The trial is expected to take up to three weeks.
During the short hearing, noise could be heard coming from the public gallery and the court was cleared after Recorder of Leeds Judge Guy Kearl KC issued warnings. He said: “I’m incredibly reluctant to ask people to vacate the court, but it is a court of law and it is extremely important that people behave appropriately.
“If I think you are not able to do that, I will have the court cleared of people who are not able to behave themselves.” The judge went on to rise while the courtroom was cleared before the hearing continued. A further case management hearing will be set at a later date.
Chloe’s family previously announced her funeral will take place at Dewsbury Crematorium on Tuesday, May 5. There will be a horse-drawn carriage from Chloe’s house at 10am, with the service beginning at 11.15am. The family said: “We invite all who loved Chloe to join us and pay respects.”
Archie Rycroft
After her tragic death, Chloe’s family said: “My beautiful princess Chloe. I cannot put into words how I feel that you are not here with me. You are my life, my world, my best friend and I know that I am yours. I cannot live without you – I need you. You are stunning, confident, loyal, honest and my family-oriented princess. When you walk into any room it lights up with your bubbly personality. There is so much I could say. There’s a big hole in my heart that can never be filled.
“Your two sisters and big brother will always love and miss you to infinity. You will always and forever be in our hearts. Love Mu, Connor, Courtney and Cienna. Our family is utterly devastated by the loss of Chloe. We miss every single thing about her. She was beautiful, full of joy, and had a wonderfully cheeky personality.
“She embraced life with such happiness, and she had her whole future ahead of her. Chloe was loved by everyone who knew her, and the absence she leaves behind is immeasurable. We will miss her forever, she will never be forgotten. Love you always and forever Dad, Sacha, Reuben, Mia, Amelia, Grandma, Grandad and Uncle Jordan.”