Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Teenager’s killers jailed for more than 30 years
ON the day that his killers were jailed for more than 30 years, the heartbroken family of a murdered Swindon teenager say they hope his legacy will be an end to knife crime.
Owen Dunn’s devastated family were speaking after two teenagers were yesterday sentenced to 31 years behind bars between them.
Tyler Hunt, 18, of Park South, was sentenced to a minimum of 19 years in prison at Bristol Crown Court.
A 15-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced to 12 years.
They were both found guilty of murder following a trial in November.
Owen, 18, was stabbed on December 4, 2022, in Mazurek Way, Swindon. It is believed he was cycling to see his girlfriend. He was also carrying a weapon, which was later found by paramedics.
The jury was shown CCTV, doorbell and dash cam footage which showed Hunt, who was 17 at the time, and the 15-year-old, then 14, travelling on e-bikes to the scene where the attack happened.
In a victim impact statement, Owen’s family said: “On the 4th December 2022, our lives as a family changed forever. We lost a son, a brother, a grandson, a nephew and a friend. We mourn the loss of witnessing his milestones, turning 21, 30, 50, getting married, experiencing parenthood or gaining his independence.
“Throughout his childhood, he enjoyed laughter, mischief and countless treasured moments shared with his diverse group of friends, some of whom he had known for over a decade. Owen is greatly missed by each and every one of our family and also by his friends. He has left a huge hole in our lives but his memory will live on.
“Owen’s death has deeply affected many people. In response, his family and close friends formed the charity Owen’s World. Our goals include raising awareness around knife crime, providing support, and igniting inspiration in others, fostering active participation in building a more promising and secure future for all.
“In the face of adversity, an opportunity for positive change arises, and Owen’s memory perseveres through the unwavering efforts of his family and friends. Together, we are devoted to creating a safer community and addressing the challenges young people face today, including the pressing issue of knife crime. In our collective grief, we hold on to the hope of Owen’s World, ensuring that his memory lives on in the hearts of many.”
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker said: “This case was shocking and challenging involved.
“We’ve got young people including Owen, who lost his life, young offenders who now have to serve life imprisonment, and we’ve got young witnesses, who have seen things that most of us have never seen before.
“I’d like to thank them for the bravery that they showed engaging with us.
“This case is a sobering example of the real dangers of young people carrying knives.”
The convictions came after hundreds of hours of CCTV, doorbell and dash cam footage was sent to police following media appeals.
Detective Sergeant Lou Kuklinski said: “The public probably see lots of appeals from the police for things like dash cam footage and CCTV but I don’t think we can ever put into words, in a case like this, how important it is for people to be willing to provide us with that material and that information.
“The information we would obtain from an eye witness would point us to the next CCTV camera, and this meant we were able to track these two suspects from what we think was a starting point to the scene and then back again.
“I’d urge the public to help us with these investigations and help us gather crucial evidence that helps to obtain convictions for these victims and their families.” for everyone