Inquiry into Teen Killings Begins: Families Seek Truth

A public inquiry began yesterday, scrutinizing the mental health care provided to Valdo Calocane, who committed a fatal knife rampage in June 2023. The attacks resulted in the deaths of teenagers Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar, both 19, and 65-year-old school caretaker Ian Coates. Calocane, who was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, had been discharged from mental health services eight months prior without follow-up or a risk assessment, despite warnings from staff about his dangerousness.

The inquiry, ordered by Sir Keir Starmer and chaired by Her Honour Deborah Taylor, will investigate the specific failings within Nottingham's mental health services leading up to the tragedy. Grace O'Malley-Kumar's father, Dr. Sanjoy Kumar, expressed a desire for "absolute transparency" and systemic changes. Barnaby Webber's mother, Emma Webber, described the inquiry's start as a "validation" after a "long, painful fight."

Survivors of the van attack, including Wayne Birkett, who sustained a severe brain injury and memory loss, are also seeking accountability. Greg Almond, a solicitor representing Birkett and other victims, called the inquiry a "watershed moment" for those affected. The hearings are scheduled to continue until the end of May, aiming to uncover what went wrong and why.