A heartbreaking video has captured schoolboy Amen Teklay smiling as he spoke about his love of football and the youth club that became his second home just weeks before his death.
Background of the Case
The 15-year-old died after being found seriously injured on Clarendon Street, Maryhill, on March 5 last year. Today, two teens aged 16 and 17, who cannot be named due to their age, were found not guilty of his murder at the High Court in Glasgow.
It was alleged the teenagers, with their faces masked, assaulted Amen and brandished a frying pan and a sword or similar instrument at him at Glenfarg Street and Clarendon Street in Maryhill. The pair were alleged to have chased him and struck him on the body with the sword, leaving him so severely injured that he died in the St George’s Cross area of the city.
Trial and Verdict
During the trial, the 16-year-old claimed he acted in self-defence, while the 17-year-old denied being involved in the death. The jury began its deliberations on Friday before pausing over the weekend and returning a not guilty verdict on Monday, July 6.
Touching Footage
Touching footage, filmed at Kingsway Community Connections in Glasgow, has now been shared showing the youngster beaming as he speaks proudly about the community group that meant so much to him.
Looking relaxed in a cream Nike hoodie over his school shirt, Amen smiles at the camera and says: "My name is Amen, I'm 15 years old. I come to Kingsway to play football and for the community centre. We get pizza and in summer we do barbeques and that and get drinks."
Tributes from Community
A statement from the community group alongside the clip read: "Amen was funny, bright and enjoyed playing football. Our memories of him are encapsulated in this film he made together with his friends where he talked about why attending the group was important to him. Amen developed great relationships with our team and we are all devastated by his death."
The emotional video ends with Amen warmly embracing support worker Jamie O'Neill in a handshake and hug.
Jamie paid a touching tribute to the youngster and his family following the verdict today. He said: "Our thoughts remain with Amen's family. No court process can take away the pain of losing a child. Amen was more than the circumstances of his death. He was a young man who was known, valued and cared about by so many. His loss has been felt deeply, not only by those closest to him, but by people across our community. Since his death, we have seen the very best of people as they have come together to support one another through an incredibly difficult time. We have also seen the fear, sadness and uncertainty that violence leaves behind. We hope that today encourages us all to reflect on what more can be done so that fewer young people, fewer families and fewer communities have to experience this kind of loss. We know that when young people feel safe, valued and supported, violence becomes less likely."
Jamie also announced that Amen's family will soon set up a foundation in the teenager's name. He added: "The foundation will be dedicated to supporting our community, with a particular focus on helping young men follow positive paths and move away from the violence that has affected so many young people across our country."
Amen's Dreams
Amen, who had moved to Glasgow with his father eight years earlier after the family fled Eritrea as refugees, had dreamed of becoming a doctor, an engineer or even a basketball player after gaining UK citizenship.
His devastated sister, Delina, described him as the person she could tell anything to. She said: "He was the one I could go and talk to about anything. We grew up together so we were very close. This was very unexpected and shocking for us. I just think this is a dream and I'm going to wake up tomorrow. I'm still in denial. My dad is devastated, he's not eating at all or drinking anything. We're all devastated, it's shocking."
His headteacher, Claire McInally, also paid tribute, describing Amen as "a friendly and much loved young man" who was "bright and showed great promise".
Police Statement
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We are aware of the outcome of the court. Our thoughts remain with Amen's family and friends."
