Crime
Manslaughter verdict after teenager dies in drug related knife stabbing
A 17-year-old teenager, Jesse Nwokejiobi, stabbed to death in Cambridge in a dispute over drugs, had pulled out a knife, a court heard.
On the day of the stabbing, CCTV showed James Heath driving two 17-year-olds to St Andrew’s Road, Cambridge, at about 12.39pm.
The car remained in the city while the two boys were seen at 2.33pm crossing Logan’s Meadow, heading towards the bridge.
The two boys met Jesse Nwokejiobi and his associate and, after an altercation, both Jesse and the defendant pull out knives.
Seconds later Jesse was stabbed in the chest.
He started to run away but collapsed backwards on to the ground.
The 17-year-old boy who stabbed him has been jailed.
“Jesse Nwokejiobi was killed in broad daylight in a Cambridge park. The events of that November were a horrific reminder of the lasting devastation that knife crime can cause in our communities”.
The youth, who can’t be named for legal reasons, pulled out a knife on Logan’s Meadow, in Cambridge, on the afternoon of 19 November last year and stabbed 17-year-old Jesse in the chest.
Ambulance staff carried out CPR and open-heart surgery on Jesse, but he was pronounced dead at the scene at 2.56pm.
Investigations by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit revealed the defendant and another 17-year-old boy had travelled to Cambridge from London two days before the stabbing.
“Jesse Nwokejiobi was killed in broad daylight in a Cambridge park. The events of that November were a horrific reminder of the lasting devastation that knife crime can cause in our communities”.
They stayed with 45-year-old James Heath at his home in Harston.
Heath had been driving the pair to the Stourbridge Common area of the city each day in his black Hyundai so the boys could deal class A drugs.
Heath, 45, from Harston, pleaded guilty to assisting an offender and two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. He was jailed for three years.
On the day of the stabbing, CCTV showed Heath driving the pair to St Andrew’s Road at about 12.39pm.
The car remained in the city while the boys were seen at 2.33pm crossing Logan’s Meadow, heading towards the bridge.
The two boys meet Jesse and his associate and, after an altercation, both Jesse and the defendant pull out knives.
Seconds later Jesse was stabbed in the chest. He started to run away but collapsed backwards on to the ground.
The two teenagers fled the scene and made numerous calls between 2.44pm and 2.57pm to Heath before they were collected in his vehicle at 2.58pm on St Andrew’s Road.
A member of the public called for an ambulance while Jesse’s associate left the scene, taking Jesse’s knife and electric bike.
The 17-year-old denied murder and was due to face trial at Huntingdon in July, but he admitted an alternative charge of manslaughter and the more serious charge was withdrawn by the CPS.
Jesse Nwokejiobi with his brothers Prince and Elijah. The family authorised release of the photos.
Today, at the same court, Mr Justice Butcher told how “a young man had been pointlessly killed” and sentenced the teenager to four years in prison.
Jesse Nwokejiobi with his mother Rita. The family authorised release of the photos.
The second 17-year-old boy, who also can’t be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and affray.
He was sentenced to an 18-month youth rehabilitation order. He must also carry out 120 hours unpaid work.
Heath, 45, from Harston, pleaded guilty to assisting an offender and two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.
He was jailed for three years.
Detective Chief Inspector Iain Moor, from the Major Crime Unit, said: “Although no sentence can bring back Jesse, we hope that today’s outcome at least provides some form of comfort to his family and friends as they continue to come to terms with his passing.
“Jesse was killed in broad daylight in a Cambridge park. The events of that November were a horrific reminder of the lasting devastation that knife crime can cause in our communities. It affects the victims, their family, friends, the community, and those who carry, store, and use dangerous weapons.
“Tackling violence, knife crime and county lines drug dealing continues to be one of our top priorities in Cambridgeshire and we’re working with the local authorities, school, and other key partners on a daily basis, but it is not something police and the courts can do alone.
“We urge parents, guardians, and young people themselves to help reinforce the message that if you are caught carrying a knife, you are reducing your prospects and risking prosecution and of course, tragedy.
“I’d urge anyone, of any age, to think before they consider carrying a knife, whatever the reason.
“If you know someone who is carrying a knife, come forward and tell us so we can take appropriate action.”
In his victim personal statement, Jesse’s father, Henry Nwokejiobi said: “Jesse was a good boy, was funny and made everyone laugh. When he was in a room everyone knew, he had a presence about him and was very confident.
“Jesse was a fast learner and very academic. He had so much promise. Jesse was very ambitious, and I believe that he would have made a great contribution to this world.
Jesse Nwokejiobi with his dad Henry. The family authorised release of the photos.
“I have felt empty since Jesse died and what has happened has affected me terribly. I miss him awfully. The opportunity for him to become something has been lost.”
In her victim personal statement, Jesse’s mother, Rita Ofor, said: “Jesse’s death is a wound that just does not heal. I miss him so much. He was a lovely boy and son.
“Jesse touched so many people’s lives in his short 17 years. I would never wish anyone else to go through what I am going through.
“I hope that Jesse’s memory will make others stop and think about their life choices.”
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