Teenager killed by 'zombie knife', court told
Family photoA 17-year-old boy died from "a single stab wound" from a "zombie knife", a court has heard.
Tristan Shae Kerr died at the scene after officers were called to Lower Francis Street in Abertridwr, Caerphilly county, at about 17:45 GMT on Thursday.
Ricardo Elliot, 26, Connor Palfrey, 24, Elexi Manny, 24, and 18-year-old Georgie Mears have been charged with the teenager's murder.
All four appeared at Newport Court Court on video link, but none entered a plea.
Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke told the court – including more than 20 people in the public gallery – that it was "vital" for court proceedings not to be interrupted.
"I am well aware that feelings ran high when this case went before magistrates' court [on Monday]," she said.
During the short hearing, no applications for bail were made for Palfrey, Manny or Mears and a bail application for Elliot was denied.
Outlining the prosecution case briefly, Wilson said the defendants were all present at the flat where Tristan Kerr was allegedly killed with a knife "nine to 10 inches (23-25cm) long".
Despite the presence of an off-duty nurse at the scene, "his life could not be saved", Wilson said.
The four defendants are set to appear again on 20 March, with a provisional trial date of 3 August, estimated to last four to six weeks.
