Lee Williams, 19, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years and 74 days for the murder of 26-year-old Vernard Murray in Cheetham Hill, Manchester. Two accomplices, Riley McDermott, 18, and John Harte, 19, were convicted of manslaughter and received eight years and six years in detention, respectively.
Attack Details
The incident occurred on October 23 last year. Williams and McDermott, wearing balaclavas and carrying knives, jumped out of a silver BMW after a car chase. They approached Murray's Ford Focus, which had been blocked by the BMW. Murray managed to drive away, but the BMW pursued him, causing a collision that flipped his car onto its roof.
Prosecutor David Temkin KC stated that Williams stabbed Murray in the upper chest while he was still inside the overturned car. Murray fled but was chased and stabbed again in the buttocks by Williams in an alleyway. He managed to climb a fence and collapsed on a patio, where he banged on windows for help. He was taken to hospital but died from his injuries.
Aftermath and Evidence
After the attack, Williams and McDermott returned to the BMW, where Harte was a passenger. The car was driven by an unidentified fourth male. The group abandoned the BMW on Modbury Walk. CCTV footage showed McDermott and Williams fist-bumping, and Williams making a stabbing gesture. Harte was recorded on a Ring doorbell camera saying, "Yo, can you do that mission for me? Burn it. The car." The BMW was set on fire less than two hours later. Williams and McDermott changed clothes, and Williams admitted putting his clothes in the washing machine. When arrested, Williams lied, claiming he had been home all day.
Victim Impact Statements
Murray's father, Patrick Murray, said: "He wasn't just my child, he was my pride, my hope for the future and a huge part of who I am. He had his whole life ahead of him. He had hopes and dreams and people who loved him." His mother, Nicola Costello, added: "Those responsible are given numbers to serve sentences, while I am left with a cemetery plot to visit and a lifetime of grief." His partner, Tynne Connolly, stated: "Although the court will sentence those responsible today, my son and I will continue serving our own life sentence of grief."
Sentencing Remarks
Sentencing, Mr Justice Andrew Baker said: "This was a group attack, with planning and premeditation. You were all motivated by revenge." He noted that Murray was not a saint and had a criminal record, but added: "That does not provide a beginning of any kind of excuse for what happened." The judge described the defendants' story that they intended only to scare Murray as "obvious nonsense."
Defense Arguments
For Williams, John Harrison KC acknowledged the level of force was severe and that Williams went beyond the plan to inflict harm. Richard Littler KC, for McDermott, said he shows true remorse and accepts full responsibility. Stephen Moses KC, for Harte, stated there was an intent to scare and chase, but not to hurt anyone, noting Harte did not leave the car or carry a knife.
Police Statement
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Naismith from GMP's Major Incident Team said: "Today's sentencing reflects the devastating consequences of a shocking attack that claimed the life of Vernard Murray. This was a truly shocking case, occurring in a residential area, with fatal consequences. No sentence can undo the loss they have experienced, but we hope today's outcome can provide them with some measure of justice and closure."
