Two teenagers have been found guilty of murdering an 18-year-old who was killed with a machete on the way to meet his girlfriend.
Owen Dunn, 18, suffered ‘catastrophic’ injuries when he was ‘swiped’ with the huge blade by a 15-year-old boy, a trial heard.
The balaclava-clad youth, who can not be named for legal reasons, was riding with pal Tyler Hunt, 18, when they both dropped their bikes to block the path and both brandished machetes, the jury was told.
They tried to ‘slash’ Owen in the chest and he suffered one wound, which punctured his heart, as he cycled along a street in Swindon.
Owen rode off a short distance before collapsing and was pronounced dead at the scene in December last year.
The trial at Bristol Crown Court was told the 15-year-old admitted he inflicted the fatal wound and Hunt also accepted he was there.
Both denied murder and manslaughter on the grounds of self-defence. But a jury found them both guilty of murder in a unanimous decision on Thursday.
During the trial, the jury was shown CCTV, doorbell and dash cam footage which showed Hunt and the 15-year-old, who was 14 at the time, travelling on e-bikes to the scene where the attack happened.
In a victim impact statement read to the court, Owen’s family said: ‘On December 4, 2022, our lives as a family changed forever. We lost a son, a brother, a grandson, a nephew and a friend.
‘We mourn the loss of witnessing his [Owen’s] milestones, turning 21, 30, 50, getting married, experiencing parenthood or gaining his independence.
‘Owen will never see his brother start a family, his mum reach 50 or have a drink with his cousin for his 18th.
‘His absence during his own 20th birthday, Christmas, and his father’s 50th celebration intensifies our heartache
‘Our house is quiet, the absence of Owen’s laughter and smiles echoes through our home. We wait his return, only to face the heartbreaking reality of bidding him a final farewell.’
Detective chief inspector Phil Walker, of Wiltshire Police’s major crime investigation team, said: ‘At the centre of this investigation is a young man who violently lost his life after being stabbed in broad daylight on the streets of Swindon.
‘Owen’s family describe him as a vibrant and selfless young man, who was always cheerful. We hope today’s verdict can give them some sense of closure.
‘This case is a sobering example of the real dangers of young people carrying knives.
‘In addition to the obvious pain and suffering Owen’s death has had on his family and friends, this case had a huge impact on the local community.
‘It is never, ever acceptable to carry any weapon out into our communities – it is illegal, dangerous and can have fatal consequences.
‘Anyone carrying a knife or a weapon is always putting themselves in more danger, whether that is by getting hurt or hurting others.
‘Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to pay my respects to Owen’s family who have conducted themselves with the utmost dignity during the trial.
‘Once again I wish to express my sincere condolences to all of Owen’s family and friends.’
Both teenagers had earlier pleaded guilty to possession of a knife.
They have been remanded in custody to await sentencing.
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