A 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with the murder of a 17-year-old boy in Marston Green.
A 17-year-old boy, identified locally as Reuben, was fatally stabbed just outside a vape shop located on Station Road on Tuesday evening. According to eyewitnesses, shop workers rushed to perform CPR on the youthful victim, who lay injured on the street after the violent altercation. Reports detail that emergency services arrived promptly on the scene, finding Reuben in critical condition.
Despite the valiant efforts of responders to save him, he succumbed to his life-threatening injuries. As the investigation unfolds, authorities have confirmed that a 15-year-old boy—whose identity cannot be disclosed for legal reasons—has been charged with Reuben’s murder.
In acquisition to the murder charge, the accused has also been charged with possession of a knife. He is scheduled to appear before magistrates in Birmingham for proceedings on Wednesday.
Detective Inspector Michelle Cordell has described this development as a “significant step” in the ongoing investigation. She has urged anyone with information regarding the circumstances surrounding the stabbing to step forward, emphasizing the necessity to understand the motives behind this tragic event.
In the wake of this loss, a GoFundMe campaign has been established by A Common Bond, a charity founded by Reuben’s mother, Sarah. This organization focuses on supporting families who have faced shortcomings in children’s services.
The message shared through the fundraiser portrays Reuben as a polite, humorous, and compassionate individual—an exceptional brother and son.“He and his mother shared an unbreakable bond,” the charity’s message reads. “He was everything she could wish for and more. We want to rally support during this unimaginable time of grief.”
The GoFundMe appeal further highlights the aim of assisting Reuben’s family with funeral expenses, as well as covering a period during which Sarah may need to take time off work to mourn and care for her other children. “We know she dedicates her life to helping others, and now we wish to return that support,” the message concludes.
The tragic stabbing occurred mere yards away from both a nursery and a junior school. The surrounding area is predominantly residential, punctuated by a series of local shops and a petrol station.
A staff member from a nearby hairdresser spoke about the significance of community spirit during this time, stating, “Many members of the public attempted to save him while he lay on the ground outside the vape shop.
They are heroes for their bravery and compassion, yet it’s incredibly saddening.”Witnessing the chaos unfold was Osama Javaid,24, a delivery driver at a local fast-food establishment. “The shop was bustling when the incident transpired,” he recalled. “
Someone rushed in to inform us that the police were outside due to a stabbing incident. Upon stepping outside, I was met with a crowd gathered around police and ambulance personnel.
Javaid observed a teenager receiving CPR, adding, “He appeared unresponsive, almost as if he were asleep. The emergency services soon cleared the area of onlookers. It wasn’t until approximately 10 PM that I learned he had tragically passed away. It was deeply upsetting, and it took considerable time for the shock to wear off.
Solihull Police Superintendent Wayne Carter addressed the public’s concerns, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and assuring residents that law enforcement would remain vigilant in the area, conducting thorough inquiries throughout the day to uncover further details surrounding this devastating event.
As the tight-knit community continues to process this calamity, the legacy of Reuben a life so full of promise will not be forgotten amidst the dark shadow of violence that has fallen upon Marston Green.
In remembrance of their lost friend, family and community members are now coming together to honour his life and support those left in the wake of this tragedy.
Reported by: Olamilekan Botti
