‘How many more mothers must mourn?’ Family of 14-year-old stabbed to death plead for end to knife crime

Andy Wells
Dea-John Reid was stabbed to death in College Road in the Kingstanding area of Birmingham. (PA)
Dea-John Reid was stabbed to death in College Road in the Kingstanding area of Birmingham. (PA) (PA)

The family of an "incredibly talented" 14-year-old boy who was stabbed to death in Birmingham have called for an end to knife crime as they paid tribute to the teenager.

Dea-John Reid was killed in College Road in the Kingstanding area of Birmingham at about 7.30pm on Monday.

One man has been charged with murder, and a 38-year-old man and a 14-year-old boy remain in custody for questioning.

Racist language was directed at Dea-John before he was chased and killed, West Midlands Police said.

His family released a statement through the force saying: “We’d like to thank the emergency services for their diligence and support… and the public for their outpouring of love and support throughout this tragic and challenging time.

A police tent at the scene on College Road, Kingstanding, north of Birmingham, where a 14-year-old boy died after being stabbed on Monday evening. Police have launched a murder investigation and are hunting up to seven people in connection with the attack. Picture date: Tuesday June 1, 2021.
A police tent at the scene on College Road, Kingstanding, north of Birmingham, where Dea-John Reid was killed. (PA) (PA)
A police officer stands near the scene on College Road, Kingstanding, north of Birmingham, where a 14-year-old boy died after being stabbed on Monday evening. Police have launched a murder investigation and are hunting up to seven people in connection with the attack. Picture date: Tuesday June 1, 2021.
A police officer stands near the scene on College Road, Kingstanding. (PA) (PA)

“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 us all.

“How many more mothers will have to mourn for their sons for this to stop?”

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Michael Shields, from Alvis Walk in Castle Bromwich, appeared at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday charged with Dea-John’s murder.

He was not required to enter any pleas and was remanded in custody until Friday when he will appear at the city’s crown court.

A man has been charged with the murder of Dea-John Reid. (PA)
A man has been charged with the murder of Dea-John Reid. (PA) (PA)

Two men aged 36 and 33 and a 13-year-old boy have been released with no further action.

Detective chief inspector Stuart Mobberley said: “This is a significant step forward in our investigation, but we are still pursuing all lines of inquiry to find anyone else involved in Dea-John’s tragic death.

A forensics officer takes photographs at the scene on College Road, Kingstanding, north of Birmingham, where a 14-year-old boy died after being stabbed on Monday evening. Police have launched a murder investigation and are hunting up to seven people in connection with the attack. Picture date: Tuesday June 1, 2021.
A forensics officer takes photographs at the scene on College Road, Kingstanding. (PA) (PA)

“We are looking at all the circumstances which led up to the events of Monday evening and anyone who has information should contact us.”

West Midlands Police have voluntarily referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) after “looking at previous incidents involving the victim”.

The force said a post-mortem examination confirmed Dea-John died from a stab wound to the chest.

Knife crime is at its highest recorded level for the past 10 years, according to police figures.

In the year ending March 2019 there were 259 homicides in England and Wales using a knife or sharp instrument, accounting for 39% of all homicides.

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