Three people, including a 14-year-old boy, have been charged with the murder of Dea-John Reid, also 14, after he was stabbed to death in Birmingham on Monday.
On Thursday evening, George Khan, 38, from Newstead Road, Birmingham and a 14-year-old boy were charged with the schoolboy’s murder. Earlier in the day, Michael Shields, 35, from Castle Bromwich, was remanded in custody after appearing at Birmingham magistrates court. He will appear before Birmingham crown court on Friday.
Two men, aged 36 and 33, and a 13-year-old boy have been released with no further action.
Dea-John’s mother, Joan Morris, paid an emotional tribute to her son, whom she described as a talented young man. After laying flowers on the corner where he was killed in the Kingstanding area of the city, she said: “I sent my son to go and play football and he didn’t come home. I miss my son so much, he was a lovely kid.
"He gave me everything that I need... I can't live without him."
— ITV News Central (@ITVCentral) June 3, 2021
The mother of 14-year-old Dea-John Reid who was stabbed to death in Birmingham has described the pain of losing him.https://t.co/wkeg6ZZ1pX pic.twitter.com/nK5bWVrLys
“He always gave me my medication, he made my tea, he gave me everything I need. What am I supposed to do without him? I can’t live without my son. They took away my son’s life.”
Police believe Dea-John was chased down a busy road before being stabbed. He died at the scene and a postmortem examination confirmed the cause of death as a stab wound to the chest. A statement released on Thursday evening said officers believe the offenders arrived and left the scene at around 7.30pm in a dark blue VW Golf with the registration number TN07 GBR.
DCI Stuart Mobberley said: “We really need to trace this VW Golf and I would urge anyone who believes they have seen the car or knows of its whereabouts to get in touch.
“It could be crucial to the investigation, so if anyone has any information please message us or call. People can call anonymously, we don’t need their names, just information.”
A community vigil for Dea-John is planned for 8.30pm on Sunday in Kingstanding.
Police had said they believed the attack on Monday evening took place after an incident involving Dea-John and his friends, during which they were subjected to racist language.
Mobberley said: “We are looking at all the circumstances which led up to the events of Monday evening and anyone who has information should contact us.”
