Andy Wood murder investigation: Elijah Clark to face trial

Elijah Clark, 18, has been charged with murdering Andy Wood, 16, who was found fatally injured close to green space off Waterson Vale in Chelmsford on February 12.

Paramedics rushed the teenager, from Braintree, to Broomfield Hospital where he later died.

An inquest into Andy’s death found the former Honywood School pupil, in Coggeshall, died from a stab wound delivered to his neck.

Tragedy - Andy Wood died from a stab wound to the neck (Image: Family handout)

Clark, of Gloucester Avenue, Chelmsford, was subsequently charged with murder, assault causing actual bodily harm and possession of a pointed article in connection with the incident.

The assault allegation relates to someone who was with Andy, an earlier hearing was told.

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The defendant was not asked to enter pleas when he appeared before Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday morning.

Clark is due back in court for an administrative hearing on June 19 and a provisional trial date was fixed for September 11.

Murder investigation - a forensics officer at the scene in Chelmsford (Image: PA)

The trial is estimated to last seven to ten days.

Judge Christopher Morgan said: “The judge who will try the case has not yet been identified. As soon as their identity is known, you and your legal representatives will be informed."

Clark was remanded in custody following the hearing.

Tributes from Andy’s family, friends and Honywood School, where he finished his GCSEs last summer, poured in following his death.

Cordon - a police officer guards the scene in Chelmsford (Image: PA)

A fundraiser launched in his memory has since received more than £2,600 in donations, with the money to be handed to anti knife crime charity The Ben Kinsella Trust.

A statement reads: “A friend of ours was lost in such an unimaginable way.

“Andy was a friend, one that I know none of us will ever forget. A life so dear to us has been taken and we cannot let this go unheard of.”

Leaders at Andy’s secondary school added: “As a community we are shocked by the news. Andy was a beacon of positivity who radiated kindness.

“He was a happy and fun loving young man who left his mark with so many of us.”

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