Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Monday 10th March 2025, at 14:15hrs
A 17-year-old boy, Mali Bennett-Smith, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 10 years for the horrific murder of his sister, Luka Bennett-Smith.
The shocking crime, which involved both stabbing and strangulation, occurred at their family home in Cromwell Road, St Andrew’s, Bristol, on October 20th of last year.
The details of the case, revealed at Bristol Crown Court today, paint a grim picture of the violent attack.
Despite desperate attempts by emergency services, Luka Bennett-Smith, was pronounced dead at the scene, having suffered multiple stab wounds and strangulation.
Mali Bennett-Smith, who pleaded guilty to murder, can now be named after the judge lifted reporting restrictions due to his age.
He was arrested at the scene of the crime and charged two days later by detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team.
Detective Inspector Nadine Partridge, the senior investigating officer, expressed her condolences to the victim’s family.
“Our thoughts remain fully with Luka’s family at this difficult time. They continue to be updated and supported by specially trained family liaison officers,” she said.
She also conveyed the family’s request for privacy as they grapple with the devastating loss.
The community is left reeling from the brutality of the crime, and the sentencing marks the end of a tragic chapter for the Bennett-Smith family.
G2K INCIDENT WATCH 