A 14-year-old boy stabbed to death in Birmingham has been named Dea-John Reid, with police currently investigating reports he was allegedly racially abused before his death.
Dea-John’s family paid tribute to the teenager, who died after being stabbed around 7:30 p.m. Monday in Birmingham.
In it, the family said he was “an incredibly talented young boy” and thanked the audience “for his outpouring of love and support.”
The 14-year-old was stabbed around 7:30 p.m. on the bank holiday
Officers are now investigating previous incidents involving Dea-John and have referred their investigation to the watchdog of the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Two boys, aged 13 and 14, and four men in their 30s have been arrested in connection with the murder and are being questioned by police.
Detective Chief Inspector Stu Mobberley’s West Midlands Police said: “As the investigation progressed, we now believe there was an incident involving Dea-John and his friends shortly before the murder. It quickly escalated resulting in death. Tragedy of Dea-John.
“During this precursor incident, racist language was directed against Dea-John and his friends; this is now under investigation.”
The family’s tribute to Dea-John said: “We would like to thank the emergency services for their diligence and support … and the public for their outpouring of love and support throughout this tragic time and difficult.
“This loss not only affects us, but everyone Dea-John knew, we have lost a son, his siblings have lost a brother and others have lost a friend.
“The passing of this incredibly talented young boy will be felt by all of us.
“How many mothers will still have to mourn their sons to make this stop?”
West Midlands Police had previously said there was “nothing to suggest” that the stabbing was racially motivated.
“New information is constantly coming into the investigation and being evaluated,” DCI Mobberley said …
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Source: news.sky.com
This notice was published: 2021-06-02 17:43:00
