Teen stabbed boy, 17, to demise in UK park in ‘second of senseless aggression’

A teen who stabbed a boy to death in a mugging attack has been found guilty of murder.

The horrifying incident saw 17-year-old Harleigh Hepworth die in a pool of his own blood in Wolverhampton on March 7. The killer, a 17-year-old who cannot be named for legal reasons, was with his accomplice, Jovarn Esterine, 18 (but 17 at the time). Harleigh was also with a friend, but Esterine held him back so he couldn’t help.

A court heard Harleigh and his pal were confronted by the pair in the city’s West Park at around 4.30pm after they travelled to the city by train. Following a brief exchange, Harleigh, of Rugeley, Staffordshire, was fatally stabbed in the chest by the 17-year-old who cannot be named for legal reasons.

After receiving the single stab wound, Harleigh ran from the scene but was found lying in the park after collapsing in a pool of blood.

His friend called around for help but despite a passer-by stopping and calling emergency services, Harleigh tragically died from his injuries.

A court also heard how Esterine put his arm around Harleigh’s friend to prevent him from intervening to protect his friend after he was knifed.

Esterine then held a blade to the friend’s chest, threatening to kill him unless he handed over the passcode to his phone which was then stolen.

Esterine, who was 17 at the time but has since turned 18, along with the 17-year-old, left the park, discarding one of the stolen phones in a nearby drain.

Detectives arrested the 17-year-old boy two days after Harleigh’s death while Esterine, from Wolverhampton, was arrested from his home on March 10.

Both denied murder and refused to answer any further questions during police interviews.

But today (Monday November 18) following a six-week trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court, the 17-year-old boy was found guilty of murder and robbery.

Esterine was found not-guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter and robbery. The pair will be sentenced at a later date.

Following the case, Harleigh’s family paid tribute to the teen in a statement issued via West Midlands Police.

They said: “On the 7th March, two weeks after his 17th Birthday, Harleigh had his short life ended in an instant through a moment of mindless aggression.

“Our family, his girlfriend and close friends will no longer be able to enjoy seeing him grow, mature and enjoy life. He had positive plans for his future.

“Harleigh had a great sense of humour, he was funny, and he was polite. We will miss him massively, but we will always remember his cheekiness, his infectious smile and the fun times we had together.

“Harleigh’s is another young life lost before they had the chance to know what life is about.”

Detective Inspector Ade George, from the force’s Homicide Unit, said: “Throughout this case our thoughts have always been with Harleigh’s family who have been devastated by his death.

“We hope that the conviction will provide a sense of justice for the unjust killing of Harleigh.”

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