A Tooting teenager is to stand trial at the Old Bailey in February next year, charged with murder after the death of a retired teacher in Russell Square.

Zakaria Bulhan, 19, of Robertson House, Tooting Grove, is charged with the murder of Darlene Horton, a 64-year-old American tourist who was stabbed in central London on August 3, a day before she was due to fly home.

Wandsworth Times:

It is claimed Bulhan stabbed her in the back with a kitchen knife.

She died in the street in front of her husband. 

Bulhan is also charged with five counts of attempted murder, as five others were stabbed during the attack.

They have been named as Martin Hoenisch, Lillie Selletin, David Imber, Bernard Hepplewhite and Yovel Lewronski. 

Police were called to the scene at 10.30pm on Wednesday night.

Bulhan, a Merton College student, was tasered and arrested. 

He appeared at the Old Bailey via video link today (Tues) for a short hearing, which lasted less than five minutes. 

Wearing a prison-issue green and white jumpsuit, Bulhan confirmed his identity. 

He mumbled through his hand, which he kept in front of his face throughout the short hearing. 

Bulhan appeared in court with no defence representation. 

Judge Nicholas Hilliard QC, the Recorder of London, set a trial date for February 6 next year. 

A plea and trial preparation hearing will take place on October 25. 

He was remanded into custody.