Terror of teen’s final moments
CHILLING CHASE THAT ENDED IN MURDER
SHOCKING footage shows the terrifying moments before a boy was stabbed to death in broad daylight.
The video was released after three young men were jailed for life for murdering 16-year-old Rhamero West in Old Trafford in September last year.
Rhamero was chased down by a ‘pack of wolves’ before he was fatally knifed on Norton Street.
A senior detective said it was a ‘miracle’ that members of the public were not caught up in the terrifying incident.
The teenager had started a college course that day and was with friends when he was spotted by 17-year-old Marquis Richards.
Richards got out of a stolen BMW on Princess Parkway, and started attacking a stolen BMW which Rhamero was driving.
Rhamero then desperately tried to get away from his attackers. Following a high speed chase, Rhamero crashed his car into a tree and then tried to flee on foot.
He was being pursued by two stolen BMWs, and CCTV footage showed how Richards got out of the car and started sprinting after Rhamero after the collision, while armed with a fearsome knife.
The chase continued to Norton Street in Old Trafford, where Richards was closely followed by 19-year-old Ryan Cashin.
After Richards slowed up, Cashin caught up and then took the knife from him. Cashin continued to pursue Rhamero, stabbing him several times shortly after. “Arr got you,” he said as he knifed Rhamero.
Rhamero desperately banged on the doors of nearby houses for help, but his injuries proved fatal.
After a Manchester Crown Court trial, Richards and Cashin were both convicted of murder. Another man, 20-year-old Giovanni Lawrence, was also convicted of murder under the joint enterprise law.
He was the driver of one of the two stolen BMWs which had pursued Rhamero, a nephew of exMan City player Shaun WrightPhillips.
Yesterday, Mr Justice Kerr handed down three life sentences.
Richards will serve at least 18 years, while Cashin and Lawrence were locked up for at least 24 and 21 years respectively.
Prosecutors did not give a motive for the brutal killing.
“Why did these individuals kill our baby boy, chase him down and take his life?” Rhamero’s mum Kelly Brown told Manchester Crown Court. “We ask this question all the time.”
After the hearing, Detective Chief Inspector Liz Hopkinson, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “Rhamero was only 16 when he was violently, and needlessly, murdered in broad daylight by a group of teenagers. “No parent should ever have to receive the news that their child has been killed and the perpetrators, refusing to admit responsibility, have only added to their suffering by forcing them to endure the pain of a trial. “These three caused carnage across South Manchester in the lead-up to Rhamero’s death and it’s a miracle that no members of the public were also injured as a result of their reckless driving and acts of violence.
“I’m pleased that we’ve been able to secure a combined sentence of more than 61 years’ imprisonment and although sadly this result won’t bring Rhamero back, I hope it provides his family with a sense of justice and closure.”
Lisa Connor, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: “This was a complex case to prosecute. We used phone location data, CCTV footage and forensic evidence to pinpoint where each person was at specific points in time.
“Nothing can make up for the loss of Rhamero. I can only hope Rhamero’s family can find some comfort in knowing that those who carried out this attack have been brought to justice.”
No parent should ever have to receive the news that their child has been killed Chief Inspector Liz Hopkinson