MURDER HUNT: BOY, 16, STABBED TO DEATH
> KATY HALLAM & MATT LLOYD REPORT:
A MURDER investigation has been launched after a 16-year-old was stabbed to death in Coventry on Saturday night.
Jaydon Washington James died in hospital a short time after being injured in Deedmore Road, Wood End, late on Saturday.
Police said two friends who were with Jaydon were also seriously injured and remain in hospital.
In a statement released by West Midlands Police, his family said: “The family are deeply saddened by what has happened, we urge anyone to come forward with any information regarding the person responsible for taking our boy JJ.
“Thank you for all the support we have received.”
Detective Chief Inspector Edward Foster, from the force’s homicide unit, said: “We have officers working around the clock to find those responsible for this horrific and deeply tragic attack.
“Jaydon had only just turned 16 with his whole life ahead of him. Words cannot describe the anguish that his family are going through, and we will leave no stone unturned in the hunt for his killer.
“We have several lines of enquiry, but I would still urge anyone with information to contact us as soon as possible.”
In a post on Facebook thanking the local community for their support, Jaydon’s sister, Jayda James, described him as the “sweetest, funniest most kind hearted boy” who was friends with everyone and tried to keep the peace whenever he could.
“On behalf of me and my family I would like to thank everyone for all the kind posts and messages we have read them all and it has brought us some happiness to know how loved Jaydon was,” she said.
A woman who visited the scene, Rebecca Rushton-Nesbitt, described Jaydon as a “lovely boy”.
The 18-year-old said: “I heard about what happened. It’s so sad, I can’t believe he’s gone to be honest.
“He was just an ordinary young boy. He wouldn’t do anything to hurt anybody.”
Police forensic and search teams examined drains, as well as areas near bins and vehicles in Deedmore Road on yesterday.
Searches also took place in the grounds of the nearby St Patrick’s Catholic Church - where bunches of flowers had been left against a wall and close to the nearby Moat House and Castle Wood schools campus. Yesterday evening Coventry City Council announced St Patrick’s Roman Catholic School on Deedmore Road would be closed at the request of West Midlands Police. They said: “St Patrick RC School is closed tomorrow following a police request and after a serious incident on Saturday evening. “Part of the school site is cordoned off. School staff and parents of pupils are being notified.” Moat House Primary School, also on Deedmore Road, will be open on Monday. The school Tweeted a message of condolence to Jaydon’s family yesterday evening. The Tweet said: “I’d like to pass on our condolences to the family of Jaydon James after last night’s tragic events. “Currently school will be open on Monday. “I am still waiting to hear when the police will reopen the road outside the school and will update if there are any changes. A Black” Anyone with information can contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.pnn.police.uk 8am - midnight. Alternatively you can call 101 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always dial 999.