A teenager has been convicted of murdering a 16-year-old boy using a 30cm (12in) machete during a dispute over a stolen moped.
Kamari Johnson was found injured after police responded to a call on Bourne Avenue in Hayes, west London, on May 24 of last year. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The 17-year-old defendant, who is protected by legal anonymity, was found guilty of Kamari’s murder and carrying a bladed weapon in public at the Old Bailey. Members of Kamari’s family, who were present throughout the trial, wept as the verdicts were announced.
Judge Simon Mayo KC remarked to the defendant: “You will receive a life sentence — my task is to determine how long you will serve before being eligible for release.”
During the trial, the court heard that the defendant fatally stabbed Kamari in the heart with the machete after feeling he had been “scammed” regarding a moped transaction that day.
Kamari had taken off on the moped for which the defendant had just paid, along with his cash, jurors were informed.
Shortly after their encounter, the 17-year-old went to Kamari’s home to confront him, determined to reclaim the bike.
Prosecutor Joel Smith KC explained to the jury: “He was aware of where Mr. Johnson lived and sought him out; upon finding him, he attacked.”
“He inflicted a single stab wound to his chest affecting his heart. Despite Mr. Johnson’s escape on the moped, he collapsed moments later and died on the street.”
At around 13:30 BST that afternoon, police discovered Kamari with stab wounds, and despite the efforts of emergency responders, they were unable to save him.
In his police interviews, the defendant chose not to answer questions but stated in a prepared remark that he “acted in self-defense at all times.”
He showed no emotion when the verdicts were delivered following 13 hours and 35 minutes of jury deliberation.
Judge Mayo expressed gratitude to the jurors and commended Kamari’s family for their composure, noting their dignified behavior throughout the proceedings.
The defendant has been remanded in custody, with sentencing scheduled for March 14.
Additional reporting by the Press Association.
