Man, 18, is third person to be charged with murder of Jodie Chesney, 17

An 18-year-old man is the third person to have been charged with the murder of Jodie Chesney, who died after a knife was plunged seven inches into her back while she was at a London park with friends.

Svenson Ong-a-kwie, 18, was arrested on 10 March on suspicion of murder and is set to appear at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 14 March. 

Jodie, a 17-year-old girl scout, was fatally stabbed in a park in Harold Hill, east London, on March 1 as she listened to music with a group of friends. 

The Explorer Scout, described by her heartbroken father as a ‘great girl’ and a ‘proud geek’, died at the scene. 

Jodie Chesney was murdered in London while at a park with her friends 

Jodie Chesney, 17, was stabbed in the back in a park in Harold Hill, Romford, east London

Jodie Chesney, 17, was stabbed in the back in a park in Harold Hill, Romford, east London

Police work at the scene in Harold Hill, Romford where Jodie Chesney was stabbed to death

Police work at the scene in Harold Hill, Romford where Jodie Chesney was stabbed to death

Two other males have previously been charged with Jodie’s murder, including Manuel Petrovic who was arrested in Leicester and later charged with the murder before appearing at the Old Bailey on March 11.

On 8 March, a 16-year-old male from Romford was arrested in London. He was charged with murder and remanded to appear at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on 11 March and subsequently at the Old Bailey on 12 March. 

Three other people including a 50-year-old man,  a 38-year-old woman and a 17-year-old boy – who were also arrested on 10 March on suspicion of assisting an offender – have been released under investigation. 

Jodie Chesney posted a birthday message to her father just hours before she was killed

Jodie Chesney posted a birthday message to her father just hours before she was killed 

Purple bows and ribbons attached to lamp posts and railings in Harold Hill, east London, in memory of 17-year-old Jodie Chesney

Purple bows and ribbons attached to lamp posts and railings in Harold Hill, east London, in memory of 17-year-old Jodie Chesney 

A murder investigation launched by detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command (HMCC) continues.

Anyone with information should call the HMCC Incident Room on 020 8345 3775, Tweet @MetCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

It was revealed yesterday that the stab wound that killed the teenager had been seven inches deep.

A 16-year-old boy accused of the murder wept as he was remanded in youth detention at the Old Bailey yesterday.

Manuel Petrovic (pictured), originally from Croatia, was in the dock at the Old Bailey today charged with the murder of Jodie Chesney

Manuel Petrovic (pictured), originally from Croatia, was in the dock at the Old Bailey today charged with the murder of Jodie Chesney

Manuel Petrovic has also been charged with the murder. Pictured: Artist's impression of Petrovic in the dock at the Old Bailey

Manuel Petrovic has also been charged with the murder. Pictured: Artist’s impression of Petrovic in the dock at the Old Bailey

Wearing a grey jumper and joggers, his sobs echoed across the court room and he held his lower right arm which was in a medical cast.

Through tears, the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, spoke only to confirm his name and age.

On Monday, Manuel Petrovic, originally from Croatia, was in the dock at the Old Bailey also charged with the murder of Jodie Chesney.

Girl Scout Jodie was with her boyfriend and four other friends when she was stabbed in the back in a park

Girl Scout Jodie was with her boyfriend and four other friends when she was stabbed in the back in a park

Jodie Chesney's father, stepmother and sister said they want justice for the teenager

Jodie Chesney’s father, stepmother and sister said they want justice for the teenager 

Yesterday, prosecutor Joel Smith said: ‘The deceased, Jodie Chesney was 17-years-old when she was fatally stabbed at 8.40pm in a public area in Romford.

‘The deceased met with six other friends and she got a bus to the park where they listened to music.

On arrival they sat on a picnic bench in a children’s playground.

‘After being stabbed, Jodie fell to the ground and her friend realised she had been stabbed.

‘She was stabbed in the back of the right of the chest, it was 18cm in depth.

Defending, Louise Sweet QC did not make an application for bail.

She said: ‘The defendant is a child, he is 16-years-old and is of good character .’

Judge Anthony Leonard QC said: ‘The deceased was 17 and was with her friends in a playground.

‘The defendant is to be remanded in youth detention until his pre trial hearing on May 28.

‘The trial is scheduled for September.’

The teenager wept when he was asked to stand up by the Judge and told he will stay in youth detention.

Four family members and friends sat in the public gallery which looked down on the court room. 

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