In a shocking turn of events, the vibrant final moments of two young students, Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber, both 19, took a dark turn after a night out in Nottingham. The seemingly carefree stroll home turned into a devastating bloodbath when Valdo Calocane, 32, brutally attacked them, leaving the Nottingham community in shock.

The Playful Walk Home:

Moments away from home and just minutes after leaving PRYZM nightclub, Grace and Barnaby, in their carefree moments, playfully strolled down a Nottingham city centre road. At 3.59 am, the couple appeared to be joking and giggling, creating an innocent scene that would soon turn tragic. However, their joyous playfulness was abruptly interrupted by a violent assailant.

The Nightmare Unfolds:

Valdo Calocane, suffering from a “serious mental illness” at the time, brutally knifed both Grace and Barnaby on Ilkeston Road, leaving them with fatal injuries. The nearby residents were disturbed by the “blood-curdling screams” of the students as the assailant carried out the sinister attack. Eyewitnesses described the horrifying scene, recounting the repeated stabbing of the young couple. Grace’s courageous attempt to save her friend was captured on a nearby home security camera, revealing a heart-wrenching struggle.

Attempted Heroism:

Despite the danger, Grace reportedly tried to save Barnaby, confronting the attacker who struck from behind. Eyewitnesses revealed that she attempted to get the assailant off her friend, displaying remarkable bravery in the face of tragedy. The couple living nearby attested that Grace’s efforts were captured on their security camera, portraying a courageous act of loyalty and friendship.

The Culprit:

Valdo Calocane, whose guilty pleas to three counts of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility were accepted by prosecutors, is now facing sentencing at Nottingham Crown Court. The court heard that he also pleaded guilty to three counts of attempted murder after using a stolen van to run over three pedestrians during the horrifying incident. The community remains in shock as the court proceedings continue to unfold.

As Nottingham grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, the community mourns the loss of two promising young lives, forever altered by an act of senseless violence.