Mother’s warning whose 18-year-old was murdered by county lines gang
This could be anyone’s child: Mother whose 18-year-old was groomed by county lines gang warns other parents their children can fall into drugs trap – as terrifying footage shows her son running for his life before murder
- Joe Dix, 18, was stabbed to death in Vale Green, Norwich, in January last year
- Horrifying footage shows the teenager being chased to his death by three men
The grieving parents of a teenager who was killed after being manipulated by a criminal group operating in different areas have cautioned that ‘any young person’ can become ensnared in a similar situation. This comes as a video surfaced showing him being pursued by his attackers just before he was killed.
Joe Dix found himself caught in a relentless pattern after being approached at the age of 15 in a park to transport a package for money, leading to his involvement in the distribution of highly illegal drugs.
The false ‘glamour’ of easy money ended with him dying in a hail of stab wounds following a terrifying chase through a housing estate by three drug dealers after a county lines member called in his help when they thugs tried to steal his stock and cash.
Every now and then, Joe would choose not to return home in order to conceal the injuries he had sustained from yet another attack. His mother disclosed that she and her spouse had also become entangled in a secret existence, as they were too embarrassed to confide in anyone about the situation.
The individuals who murdered Joe, all of whom were teenagers at the time, were sentenced to a combined imprisonment of over 60 years on Wednesday.
Mrs Dix, aged 47, warned MailOnline readers not to turn a blind eye to the situation. She emphasized that such incidents can occur right in front of us and could involve any child, including our own.
Terrifying footage shows Joe desperately running from Benjamin Gil, Cameron Palmer and Hans Beeharry in Norwich on the night of January 28 last year after he was told to stop them burgling a known crack den.
The adolescent was fatally stabbed on seven occasions and passed away while receiving medical treatment at the hospital. Among the weapons used by his assailants were four bladed instruments, one of which was a 24-inch long sword.
In January of last year, Joe Dix, 18 years old (shown in the picture), was pursued and killed by a criminal group involved in county lines activities in Vale Green, Norwich.
Emma Dix, Joe’s mother, warned MailOnline not to overlook the possibility of such incidents occurring right in front of them. She emphasized that any child could be a victim, including their own.
Horrifying footage shows the moment Joe was chased through the streets at night by his killers
She expressed, “It is unimaginable for a parent to outlive their child. It is difficult to put into words the anguish of being unable to safeguard your own child.”
Emma, who is 47 years old and currently taking medication for post-traumatic stress disorder, expressed in a victim impact statement read during the court proceedings that hearing the horrifying account of the incident that resulted in Joe’s death and viewing graphic images depicting all of his injuries was extremely distressing.
However, the most alarming video is of Joe desperately fleeing and being pursued, followed by the devastating moment of his collapse.
‘I can’t tell you how many times those scenes have replayed over and over in our heads.’
Unfortunately, the family had to face additional distress following Joe’s passing as they received offensive messages from internet trolls, including some that were falsely attributed to the deceased young man.
The memorial green located in Vale Green, where he passed away, was also subjected to desecration.
Cameron Palmer, aged 19, (shown in the picture) will be sentenced to at least 21 years in prison for causing Joe’s demise.
Benjamin Gil, aged 19, (shown in the picture) will be sentenced to a minimum of 21 years in prison for causing the death of the teenager.
Hans Beeharry, 20, (pictured) will serve a minimum of 20 years for the murder of Joe last year
Terrifying footage shows Joe desperately running from Gil, Palmer and Beeharry in Norwich
The responsible party is uncertain, but it is plausible that members of county lines gangs may be accountable.
Joe’s friends claimed that there was no indication that he would eventually engage in illicit activities as a drug dealer.
His self-employed carpenter father, Phil, 46, and mother, a radiographer at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, who live in a well-tended four-bedroom house in the village of Salhouse, just outside Norwich, did their best to give their sports-mad son a decent upbringing.
He had been expected to achieve excellent grades, engaged in football practices four times a week, and frequently participated in matches for Sprowston Cricket Club. However, all of these activities ceased when he became entangled in the illegal trade of drugs.
Bethany, Joe’s sister, who is now 16 years old, possessed a remarkable skill for ballet. She showcased her talent by participating in a performance of Swan Lake with the English Youth Ballet at Norwich Theatre Royal in July. Recently, she made the decision to relocate to a dance school in Warrington.
She clarified that dancing goes beyond being just a passion for her. “Dancing helps me escape from dwelling on the past,” she expressed.
County lines operations – so called because of the supply routes that run from towns and cities into more rural areas – have become endemic in Norfolk, like most counties.
Norfolk Police shut down 74 routes in the four years to April 2023 but many slip through the net.
Joe is shown in a photograph alongside his father, Phil Dix, his mother, Emma, and his younger sister, Bethany.
Joe’s mother expressed that the scenes of his death have constantly replayed in their minds, but she couldn’t quantify the exact number of times.
The grieving parents of Joe have cautioned that the unfortunate incident that occurred to their son could potentially occur to any child.
Joe’s mother revealed to the BBC that his involvement in dealing, which resulted in his arrest in 2020, prompted him to disclose the hidden and secretive life he had been entangled in.
“He mentioned that one day while he was at the park, someone approached him and offered to pay him for carrying something. That’s exactly what he did. I believe he didn’t consider the consequences with his adolescent mindset,” she explained.
“It all originated from that point. He would claim that he was robbed. They would confiscate his money and drugs – and this scenario would be orchestrated by the person who had supplied him with the drugs.”
He found himself in a situation of owing money and had to increase his efforts to repay the debt. This created an ongoing cycle of hardship.
She stated, “They promoted a luxurious way of life with quick and effortless wealth – ‘You can make a substantial amount simply by doing this, you can purchase this, you can purchase that’.”
I have had moments where I would sit with him in the garden while he cried, expressing that I wouldn’t comprehend the things he has witnessed or the experiences he has endured.
Joe was stabbed a total of seven times during the attack, and unfortunately, two of those stabbings resulted in his death.
Joe’s parents were hopeful that he had changed his ways when he received a nine-month youth referral order in 2021 after being frequently arrested by the police for his involvement in drug distribution.
“She mentioned that we were not judged by anyone since we kept our situation a secret. We lived a dual existence.”
I pretended that everything was fine to avoid giving the impression that I had a bad day at work due to something happening at home.
There were instances when both of us had to go to work early in the morning, but we had only managed to sleep for two or three hours due to a visit from the police the previous night.
“We kept it to ourselves. We refrained from informing anyone and attempted to resolve the situation independently.”
Joe’s frequent encounters with the police led his parents to believe that he had finally changed his ways when he received a nine-month youth referral order in 2021 for his involvement in drug distribution. The imposed 7pm curfew restricted his engagement in drug-related actions.
Mrs. Dix mentioned that he began making improved decisions. During the summer of 2021, he commenced working for his father, where he gained knowledge about the trade and performed tasks such as fetching and carrying.
On the day of his death, he had accompanied his father to work. It happened to be a Friday, and their work was completed by lunchtime.
After the tragic event, Mr and Mrs Dix established a charitable organization called the Joe Dix Foundation. Its purpose is to offer a helpline to support other families.
Mrs. Dix expressed her hope that in case someone wishes to communicate, they can have a conversation. She also mentioned that it would be remarkable if one parent notices the indicators of a problem.
“We refuse to allow Joe to be forgotten. He passed away with a purpose, and it seems appropriate that we assist others.”
Palmer, Gil, and Beeharry, all aged 19 and 20, respectively, from Norwich, attempted to conceal their actions following the killing of Joe.
They ignited the garments they had been wearing, discarded the knives – which remain unrecovered – and made an effort to eliminate their cell phones by tossing them into a river.
However, the police were able to compile CCTV footage that placed them at the location, leading to their arrest two weeks after the assault.
After a trial in September, they were found guilty and received a life sentence at Norwich Crown Court on Wednesday.
Gil and Palmer were informed that they would have to spend a minimum of 21 years in prison, whereas Beeharry’s minimum sentence is 20 years.
Judge Alice Robinson stated that no punishment could ever bring Joe back or alleviate the sorrow felt by his family.
Mrs. Dix expressed that we will no longer have the opportunity to see, embrace, or experience Joe’s scent. Our lives have been permanently altered in the past, present, and future. Joe now exists solely as a memory.
