A 16-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of a teenage girl whose body was found in a park in Wolverhampton on Thursday.
Viktorija Sokolova, 14, was found dead at 7am in Wolverhampton’s West Park on Thursday. A postmortem examination found the teenage girl had died from a blunt force trauma to her head.
Two teenage boys aged 16 and 17 were arrested in connection with the incident. On Sunday, police charged the 16-year-old from Wolverhampton, and released the 17-year-old on bail under suspicion of murder pending further investigation.
Viktorija had been reported missing the day before she was found, and the case has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), as is procedure in a missing persons case.
In a statement published by West Midlands police, Viktorija’s family paid tribute to her.
“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,” they said.
West Park in Wolverhampton remains closed while police complete a comprehensive forensic examination of the area.
The 16-year-old, who was arrested on Friday, is due to appear at Dudley magistrates court on Monday.
