Dea-John Reid Murder: Mother of stabbed victim reveals heartache as she says “I sent my son to play football and he didn’t come home” | UK News

The mother of a 14-year-old boy stabbed to death in Birmingham has paid tribute to her “incredibly talented young boy”.

Dea-John Reid was reportedly pursued at College Road, in the city’s Kingstanding neighborhood, around 7:30 p.m. Monday, before being attacked.

Speaking to reporters at the place where her son died, Joan Morris sobbed as she made a moving statement about his loss.

“I sent my son to play football and he didn’t come home, what am I supposed to do?” Ms. Morris said.

Supported by members of her family, she also demanded an end to knife crimes, asking, “How many more mothers will have to mourn their sons to make this stop?

And she said that she “couldn’t live” without her son: “They took my son’s life, my son didn’t even grow up to give me a grandchild.”

The family added, “This loss affects not only us, but everyone Dea-John knew, we lost a son, his siblings lost a brother and others lost a friend.

“The passing of this incredibly talented young boy will be felt by all of us.”

Dea-John’s family also thanked the emergency services for their diligence and the public for their “outpouring of love and support throughout this tragic and difficult time.”

The family broke their silence when a 35-year-old man appeared in court for murder.

Michael Shields, from Alvis Walk in Castle Bromwich, appeared in Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

He was not required to plead guilty and was remanded in custody until Friday, when he is due to appear in city crown court.

A second man named George Khan, 38, and a 14-year-old boy who cannot be legally identified have also been charged with murder.

They are both due to appear in Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Friday.