A 18-YEAR-OLD teen has been found guilty of a schoolboy’s murder and three others guilty of manslaughter – with his heartbroken mum paying tribute.
Kennie Carter, 16, was killed by a single stab wound to the chest while he was walking home near Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground.
The tragic youngster was only one street away from safely getting home.
A group of boys had travelled from the inner-city Hulme neighbourhood to Stretford.
They were looking for retribution following an incident the night before.
The boys went to a block of flats where they knew Kennie’s friends would typically hang out.
They stole three bikes, and a witness heard them shout “This is revenge”.
Kennie heard the group of boys was in the area and later headed home.
But in a tragic twist of fate he passed the group on Moss Road – and became their target.
Kennie was killed with a single stab wound to the chest while he was on the phone.
The group of boys ran from the scene without giving Kennie medical assistance or calling an ambulance.
Cops were made aware a boy was fighting for his life and scrambled to the street.
The officers raced to the scene to perform CPR before paramedics arrived.
An ambulance rushed Kennie to hospital, where he died from his injuries on January 22, 2022.
Cops launched a murder probe – visiting local schools and colleges in a bid to track down those responsible.
They combed CCTV, executed 20 warrants and issued a £50,000 reward.
They identified ten teenage boys – who were jointly charged in connection with Kennie’s murder on October 31 last year.
A 16-year-old boy has today been found guilty of Kennie’s murder by majority verdict.
Latif Ferguson, 18, and two 16-year-olds were also found guilty of manslaughter by majority verdict under joint enterprise.
Six others now aged between 15 and 19 were found not guilty of murder and manslaughter.
We are still stuck on the day Kennie was killed and I feel people are moving on and forgetting
Kennie's mum Joan
Paying tribute, Kennie’s mum Joan said: “Kennie brightened up every day with his cheeky smile and his bubbly personality.
“He was always acting daft, telling jokes and generally being a 16-year-old boy, he had everything to live for.
“He was our baby, the youngest of our four children, and just starting out in life.
“He had so many plans for his future, he was about to start applying for college, wanting to design artwork on cars.
“He was a very talented artist; I hadn’t realised how artistic he was until one of his teachers showed us his drawings and they were genuinely impressive.
“Life since the day of his murder has not been the same, we all miss Kennie so much.”
Joan added: “Every day I wake up thinking of him, I dream about him regularly.
“We are still stuck on the day Kennie was killed and I feel people are moving on and forgetting about our Kennie.
“Life has stopped for us and will never ever be the same.”
He was our baby, the youngest of our four children, and just starting out in life
Kennie's mum Joan
Detective Chief Inspector Nicola McCulloch said: “I would like to express my deepest condolences to Kennie’s mum Joan and dad Glen, his wider family and friends as well as the rest of the Carter family.
“It’s been nearly two-and-a-half years since Kennie was taken from them in this spiteful attack, and it has been extremely difficult for them in court.
“They’ve had to watch and listen to Kennie’s last moments many times; something no family should have to experience.
“This case serves as a sobering reminder of the destruction carrying and using knives can cause.
“Not only has one boy lost his life, but since that tragic evening many more have been irreversibly impacted.
“I would like to thank the entire team for their hard work and dedication throughout this complex investigation.
“I would also like to express my gratitude for the CPS and prosecution who have worked closely with us.”
