Teen found guilty of manslaughter after stabbing former school friend to death in east London park
Teen found guilty of manslaughter after stabbing former school friend to death in east London park
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A 16-year-old boy has been found guilty of manslaughter after stabbing his former school friend through the heart in an east London park. The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter at the Old Bailey on Friday following more than 15 hours of jury deliberation. The court heard how the teenager, then aged 15, stabbed Pharell Garica, 15, with a multi-tool at Stellman Close, E5, on July 23rd before chasing him until he collapsed and fleeing without offering help.
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen, who led the investigation, said: "The evidence we gathered disputed the defendant's account that he grabbed the multi-tool and delivered a fatal blow to save his life. When the defendant became in possession of that weapon he had a choice. He could have walked away, he could've thrown the multi-tool to the floor. Instead, he chose to stab Pharell in the heart.".
Police investigations revealed the defendant had a "fascination with knives" with 43 images and videos found on his phone showing him playing with weapons just days before the killing. Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway said: "Pharell's death was first and foremost a devastating tragedy for his family and friends, but it also had considerable impact across our local communities.". The court heard the former friends had fallen out before meeting in the park. Following the stabbing, the defendant messaged his mother asking her to remove items from their home and inquiring about going to Portugal.
