Jesse Nwokejiobi, 17, died of a single stab wound in Cambridge on November 19 – his mum, Rita, has released this heartfelt tribute
I watched you take your first life step in stride and the day you called me ‘mama’ marked the beginning of hope and expectation for my handsome son.
As you grew older, your light beamed so strong for me and every other member of the family.
You rose to your call as the first son, leading and supporting us regardless of the storms of life that emerged eventually.
You were my anchor, hope, strength, and support system I had and will always have until we meet again.
I love the way to stood by us and blessed us with your beautiful smile until the unfortunate incident that whisked you away from us at a very tender age.
At just 17 years of age, you did what grown men could not do; you gave your all in the defence of your family so that we can be happy.
Waking up daily without you is hard; I cannot imagine doing this daily as it seems like a joke even as I write this.
However, I am grateful to you, my boy, for all you did for us in your lifetime.
And I will not disappoint you in any way.
I will trust the Lord God to help me do what you could not do.
I will trust the Lord to help me guide your siblings to lead a fulfilled and beautiful life.
Even though I am weak and helpless in this estate without you, I will trust God to heal our hearts and I will be strong for you and your siblings.
I will miss your smile, calls, hugs, play, music, help, birthdays, prayers, outings, and everything.
My physical time with you is now over, but your memory will live on in our hearts and you will always be remembered for your love and selflessness.
Now rest in the bosom of the Almighty until we meet again.
We all love you, dearest son.
Mom.
The two teenage boys charged with Jesse’s murder appeared at Huntingdon magistrates court today. They have been remanded to appear at Cambridge Crown Court on Monday (5 December).
Jesse Nwokejiobi: Mum of stabbed teen wears his clothes every day https://t.co/s0ps16zKMg
— BBC East (@BBCLookEast) December 1, 2022
On Tuesday evening officers from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit returned to South London to bring in the two 16-year-olds, who were originally arrested on Friday evening (25 November), for further questioning.
On Wednesday they were both charged with murder.
Police have also arrested a 44-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman from Harston on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.
Both have been bailed.
Anyone with information is urged to pass it to the Major Crime Unit online via the Major Incident Public Portal. Anyone without internet access should call 101 and quote Operation Helix.
Two 14-year-old boys and a 17-year-old boy from Cambridgeshire were arrested in connection with the murder on 19 November.
They remain on bail to return to Thorpe Wood on 20 February.
