Suspect to appear in court charged with killing two students and caretaker
A former university student is set to appear in court accused of murdering three people in Nottingham and attempting to murder a further three.
Valdo Calocane, 31, will appear at Nottingham Magistratesâ Court charged with killing University of Nottingham students Grace OâMalley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber as well as school caretaker Ian Coates in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Mr Calocane is also alleged to have attempted to murder three pedestrians after Mr Coatesâ van was used to drive at pedestrians in the city centre.
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust said two patients are now stable and one has been discharged following the van incidents.
Police have confirmed Mr Calocane, of no fixed abode, was a former student of Nottingham University but they do not believe this is relevant to the attacks.
![The families of Grace O'Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber attend a vigil at the University of Nottingham after they were killed and another three hurt in connected attacks on Tuesday morning. Picture date: Wednesday June 14, 2023. PA Photo. Two 19-year-old students Barnaby Webber and Grace Kumar and school caretaker Ian Coates were stabbed to death before the attacker allegedly stole the Mr Coates's van and attempted to run over three people in Nottingham. A 31-year-old man was tasered and arrested on suspicion of murder following the deadly rampage and remains in custody. See PA story POLICE Nottingham. Photo credit should read: Jacob King/PA Wire](https://wp.inews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/SEI_160237460.jpg?w=760)
Medical student Ms OâMalley-Kumar and history student Mr Webber, both 19, were found fatally knifed on Ilkeston Road at around 4am.
Mr Coates, 65, was then found dead on Magdala Road after his van was allegedly stolen.
The family of Mr Webber described their âcomplete devastationâ at the âsenseless murder of our sonâ, saying he was a âbeautiful, brilliant, bright young man, with everything in life to look forward toâ.
Ms OâMalley-Kumarâs family described her as a âtruly wonderful and beautiful young ladyâ and that she would be âso dearly missedâ.
Two of Mr Coatesâ sons said his death had ârocked everyoneâs worldâ, adding: âNobody deserves this but he definitely didnât.â
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating part of the circumstances surrounding the incident because a marked police car had sight of Mr Coatesâ van before it collided with pedestrians.
Suzanne Llewellyn, Chief Crown Prosecutor of CPS East Midlands said: âOur thoughts and sympathies are with the families and friends of all those involved in this tragic incident and we wish those still receiving care a speedy recovery.
âThe Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against Mr Calocane are active and that he has a right to a fair trial.
âIt is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.â