Prosecution Drops Murder Charge in Shocking Bolton Park Killing
The murder charge against Eltiona Skana, 30, was dropped after the prosecution offered no further evidence. Skana, who admitted manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility, had pleaded not guilty to murder in the tragic death of schoolgirl Emily Jones.
Skana Confessed to ‘Premeditated’ Killing
During the trial, psychiatric nurse Jonathan Pettet revealed Skana admitted her actions were planned. At Rampton Hospital in Nottinghamshire, Skana told Mr Pettet, “I killed someone, that’s the reason why I’m here.”
She said, “It was premeditated, I waited in the park, I picked my victim and I killed somebody and tried to run away.”
Mental Health Struggles and Medication Changes
Skana, diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, was switched from injected medication to tablets just four months before Emily’s death on March 22. Community mental health nurse Victoria Fagan testified she had concerns about the medication change and increased visits, but saw no obvious relapse.
How the Tragedy Unfolded
On Sunday afternoon, Emily Jones was scootering through Queen’s Park, Bolton, and called out to her mother jogging nearby. Skana was sitting alone on a park bench, armed with a craft knife. Without warning, she slit Emily’s throat and fled.
Skana was arrested by Greater Manchester Police and detained under the Mental Health Act. The prosecution conceded Skana has long-standing mental health issues but urged the jury to decide if this was murder or manslaughter, questioning if her condition was a “convenient excuse.”
Judge Directs Not Guilty Verdict on Murder, Sentencing to Follow
After hearing evidence from Skana’s forensic psychiatrist, the judge ordered the jury to return a formal not guilty verdict on the murder charge. Sentencing for manslaughter will take place next Tuesday at Minshull Street Crown Court.
