Two men convicted of murdering 31-year-old father-of-one Joshua Barr in Cambridge
Two men have been found guilty of murdering 31-year-old Joshua Barr in Cambridge.
Tyler Marshall and Cameron Stokes stabbed him with a knife in Carlton Way, Arbury, just after 5am on 10 March.
The father-of-one ran from the scene and collapsed in nearby Ferrars Way, where he called an ambulance and told the all handlers he had been attacked by two people and stabbed. He said he believed he was bleeding from his legs and chest.
Paramedics swiftly arrived but despite their efforts Mr Barr, who had a 12-year-old son, was pronounced dead at 6.10am. He had suffered multiple stab wounds to his back.
Marshall, 19, and Stokes, 23, both of no fixed address, were captured on CCTV cycling from the scene.
They called a taxi, which they picked up in Northfield Avenue. The taxi’s CCTV shows they were driven away to Stretton Avenue.
Almost 12 hours later, the pair called for another taxi, which they asked to take them to Cardiff in Wales. They were joined by a third man.
But armed police units from Wales stopped the taxi en route to Cardiff at about 10pm and the three men were arrested.
During a four-week trial, the court heard Marshall had been running the ‘ASBO’ drug line in Cambridge and was owed money by one of Mr Barr’s friends.
A jury at Peterborough Crown Court today (3 October) found Marshall and Stokes guilty of murdering Mr Barr.
They will be sentenced at Peterborough Crown Court on 1 November.
Det Chief Insp 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 following his death, Mr Barr’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.