Wolverhampton boy, 16, charged with rape and murder of Viktorija Sokolova
A teenage boy has been charged with the rape and murder of 14-year-old Viktorija Sokolova after her body was found in West Park.
Detectives had been granted extra time to quiz two teenage suspects following the discovery in the Wolverhampton park on Thursday.
On Sunday night police charged a 16-year-old boy with her rape and murder.
He is due to appear at Dudley Magistrates Court on Monday.
A second boy, aged 17, has been bailed pending further investigation.
West Park remains closed while forensic examinations continue.
The victim’s family have paid tribute to her, in a statement which said: “Viktorija was like a little angel, she made our lives so colourful and full of meaning.
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“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 suspects were taken into custody after being arrested at their home addresses in Wolverhampton on Friday, less than 24 hours after the murder investigation was launched.
Viktorija, known as Tori, had been reported missing by her family only the day before. Her body was discovered by a member of the public near the lake in West Park at about 7am on Thursday.
An online fund to help her parents pay for her funeral has attracted donations from more than 350 people and has already topped £4,700.
A post mortem revealed Viktorija had died from ‘blunt force trauma’ to the head. Police said her family were being supported by specialist officers.
Several people contacted detectives after an appeal for information, while extra patrols of the area were taking place over the weekend.
To donate to the crowdfunding appeal visit its Facebook page.
