Shikeo Bell and Giovanni Lawrence have been handed life sentences for the murder of 16-year-old Rhamero West, who was chased through the streets of Manchester and stabbed to death in September 2021. Bell, now 22, was detained at His Majesty’s Pleasure for a minimum of 18 years, while Lawrence, now 24, was ordered to serve a minimum term of 15 years and 195 days.
Background of the Case
Rhamero West was due to start a college course on the day he was killed. He was driving a stolen BMW with friends when he was spotted on Princess Road at about 6pm on September 9, 2021. Two other stolen BMWs pursued him. Marquis Richards got out of one car and attacked Rhamero's vehicle with a large knife. Rhamero sped away, crashed into a tree on Upper Chorlton Road, and fled on foot with his friends. Richards, Bell, and Lawrence gave chase; Ryan Cashin later took the knife from Richards and stabbed Rhamero fatally. Rhamero was pronounced dead at 7.36pm.
Trials and Convictions
In the first trial in 2022, Cashin, Richards, and Lawrence were convicted of murder. Lawrence appealed, and the Court of Appeal ordered a retrial. In the retrial, Lawrence and Bell were convicted. Bell had been charged after the first trial. Prosecutor Guy Gozem KC stated: “Whatever motive lay behind their relentless pursuit of Rhamero West, the defendants’ absolute determination to catch him is self-evident.” He added that although Cashin inflicted the fatal blow, Bell and Lawrence “played their part in the continuing pursuit and attack.”
Additional Crimes
Two days before the murder, Bell killed 43-year-old Carl Dawson by dangerous driving while chasing him in a car. Bell was jailed for causing death by dangerous driving. The motive for Rhamero's murder has not been established. Rhamero was the nephew of former Manchester City and England international Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Sentencing Details
Lawrence, of Colgrove Avenue, Manchester, received a life sentence with a minimum of 20 years, reduced to 15 years and 195 days for time served on remand. Bell, of no fixed address but from Moss Side, was sentenced to detention at His Majesty’s Pleasure with a minimum of 18 years. Cashin received life with a minimum of 23 years and 142 days; Richards received life with a minimum of 17 years and 113 days.
Family and CPS Statements
Justice Goose remarked: “To lose a son in such violent circumstances, at such a young age, has caused them almost intolerable grief. The fact there has been two trials must have made it worse for them.” Alison Wolstenholme of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Rhamero West was just 16 years old when he lost his life in this shocking knife attack. Despite Rhamero being killed in 2021, police continued to investigate, resulting in further charges. We used phone location data, CCTV footage, and forensic evidence to prove Lawrence and Bell were in the cars chasing Rhamero and were actively involved in his murder.”
