A 19-year-old drug dealer and his 23 year-old associate were today found guilty of knifing a man to death to Cambridge. Both murderers were arrested as they tried to flee Cambridge to Wales in a taxi.
Tyler Marshall and Cameron Stokes used a knife to stab Joshua Barr, in Carlton Way, just after 5am on 10 March.
The 31-year-old father of one ran from the scene and collapsed in nearby Ferrars Way where he called an ambulance and told call handlers he had been stabbed and two people had attacked him.
He told them he believed he was bleeding from his legs and chest.
Paramedics arrived a short while later and despite best efforts to save him, Joshua suffered multiple stab wounds to his back and was pronounced dead at 6.10am.
Meanwhile, Marshall and Stokes, who were also captured on CCTV cycling from the scene, called a taxi which they picked up in Northfield Avenue.
CCTV from the taxi captures them as they drive away to Stretton Avenue.
Almost 12 hours later the pair call another taxi which they request takes them to Cardiff in Wales and they are joined by a third man.
Armed police units from Wales stopped the taxi on route to Cardiff at about 10pm where the trio were arrested.
During a four week trial, the court heard how Marshall had been running the ‘ASBO’ drug line in Cambridge and was owed money by one of Joshua’s friends.
At Peterborough Crown Court today (3 October), a jury found Marshall, 19, of no fixed address and Stokes, 23, of no fixed address, guilty of murdering Joshua Barr.
They are due to be sentenced at Peterborough Crown Court on 1 November.
Detective Chief Inspector Katie Dounias, who led the investigation from the Major Crime Unit, said: “While no verdict can bring Joshua back, we hope that today’s outcome at least provides some form of comfort to his family and friends, particularly his mother and his 12-year-old son, as they continue to come to terms with his passing.
“Joshua was killed in a Cambridge street in daylight.
“The events of this March day are a horrific reminder of the lasting devastation that knife crime can cause in our communities.
“It affects 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 a statement Joshua’s family said: “Josh was caring, strong and a fighter. Everyone that met him said he had such a kind soul. He was a loving son and was dearly loved by us all. He was a ray of sunshine.”
Anyone with information about someone carrying a knife is urged to report it to police online or call 101. In an emergency always call 999.
For more information about knife crime, visit https://www.cambs.police.uk/police-forces/cambridgeshire-constabulary/areas/campaigns/knife-and-gun-crime/
