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Teenager killed Jesse Nwokejiobi in Cambridge park in row over drugs




A 17-year-old boy who stabbed teenager Jesse Nwokejiobi in Cambridge in a row over drugs has been jailed.

The youth, who can’t be named for legal reasons, pulled out a knife on Logan’s Meadow on the afternoon of November 19 last year and stabbed 17-year-old Jesse in the chest.

Jesse Nwokejiobi Picture: Cambridgeshire Constabulary
Jesse Nwokejiobi Picture: Cambridgeshire Constabulary

Ambulance staff carried out CPR and open-heart surgery on Jesse but he was pronounced dead at the scene at 2.56pm.

Investigations by detectives from the Major Crime Unit revealed the defendant and another 17-year-old boy had travelled to Cambridge from London two days before the stabbing and stayed with 45-year-old James Heath at his home in Harston.

Heath had been driving the pair to the Stourbridge Common area each day in his black Hyundai so the boys could deal class A drugs.

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 met Jesse and his associate and, after an altercation, both Jesse and the defendant pulled out knives.

Seconds later Jesse was stabbed in the chest. He started to run away but collapsed backwards onto the ground.

Jesse Nwokejiobi Picture: Cambridgeshire Constabulary
Jesse Nwokejiobi Picture: Cambridgeshire Constabulary

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at Huntingdon Law Courts in July, but he admitted an alternative charge of manslaughter and the more serious charge was withdrawn by the CPS.

Today (Friday, September 1), 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.

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.

James Heath Picture: Cambridgeshire Constabulary
James Heath Picture: Cambridgeshire Constabulary

James 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 sentenced to three years in prison.

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.

“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.”

Jesse Nwokejiobi with his father Henry Picture: Cambridgeshire Constabulary
Jesse Nwokejiobi with his father Henry Picture: Cambridgeshire Constabulary

Jesse’s mother, Rita Ofor, said in her victim personal statement: “Jesse’s death is a wound that just does not heal. I miss him so much. He was a lovely boy and son.

“Jesse touch 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.”

Jesse Nwokejiobi with his mother Rita celebrating his 16th birthday Picture: Cambridgeshire Constabulary
Jesse Nwokejiobi with his mother Rita celebrating his 16th birthday Picture: Cambridgeshire Constabulary

Detective chief inspector Iain Moor, from the Major Crime Unit, added: “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.

Jesse Nwokejiobi with his brothers Prince and Elijah Picture: Cambridgeshire Constabulary
Jesse Nwokejiobi with his brothers Prince and Elijah Picture: Cambridgeshire Constabulary

“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.”

Anyone with information is urged to report it to police online cambs.police.uk/report or call 101. In an emergency always call 999.

For more information about knife crime, visit cambs.police.uk/police-forces/cambridgeshire-constabulary/areas/campaigns/knife-and-gun-crime/



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