Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
A boy has been convicted of murdering 15-year-old Deshaun James-Tuitt.
Just before 21:00hrs on Thursday, 4 August 2022, officers encountered the victim in Highbury Fields, Islington. He ran towards them, saying: “Officer, I’ve been stabbed.”
Despite the efforts of emergency services to save him, Deshaun died in hospital later that night.
On Wednesday, 5 February, 2025, a jury at the Old Bailey returned a guilty verdict against a 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons. Six other youths who also stood trial were acquitted of murder.
The court heard how, on the night of the murder, the defendant – then aged 15 – travelled with a group of boys to Highbury Fields on public transport. He wore a face covering, and was armed with a knife. The journey was documented on CCTV footage obtained by investigators.
On the night he died, Deshaun had been at a birthday celebration at the park with a large group of friends.
Upon arrival, the defendant was seen robbing people in the park. This resulted in an argument between him and Deshaun, during which he was stabbed.
Immediately afterwards, the killer fled the scene.
A murder investigation was launched, led by Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command. She said: “We conducted extensive CCTV enquiries in a bid to identify the youth who had travelled to Highbury Fields that night. Identifying him was a long and complex task.”
The killer was arrested on Wednesday, 10 August, 2022. A mobile phone was forensically downloaded, and investigators recovered a chat from 8 August 2022, where he spoke of stabbing ‘Huntz’ – Deshaun’s nickname.
DCI Yorke added: “The boy denied stabbing Deshaun, but it was clear that he had travelled to Highbury Fields that night, with a covered face, armed and looking for trouble. He knew that, should the need arise, his weapon would be used.
“This theory was supported by the fact that, just minutes after he arrived at the park, Deshaun had been fatally stabbed.
“There is no verdict that can give Deshaun back to his family. I sincerely hope that they find some comfort in today’s verdicts – my thoughts are with them.”
In a statement, Deshaun’s family said: “He [the victim] was my firstborn, and he would have been 18 years old. All my friends that I went to school with have their firstborn children – except me. To the person involved in the stabbing and taking his life: he didn’t deserve to die like that. I had a mental breakdown, and I will never be able to get over this.
“I want you to know that Deshaun was a son, a brother, a grandson, a great grandson, a nephew and a cousin to so many on both sides of the family, so I want you to realise that he was a valuable member of our family. We won’t forgive or forget.
“Deshaun, you can now rest in peace. Hopefully, justice will be served. Not only is Deshaun’s life lost, they who have done the crime will serve the time.”
The killer has been remanded ahead of sentencing on Friday, 25 April, 2025.