Kelly Brown, the mother of Rhamero West, has fulfilled a pledge made four years ago to change Manchester's streets after her son was chased and stabbed to death in broad daylight. The 16-year-old was killed on September 9, 2021, on his first day of a college course. He was chased down by a group of offenders, described as 'a pack of wolves,' and stabbed on Norton Street in Old Trafford.
Background of the murder
Rhamero had driven with friends to Millennium Park in Moss Side. He was in a stolen BMW when he was spotted on Princess Road at rush hour. Two other BMWs, driven by the offenders, pursued him. Marquis Richards, then 17, approached the driver's side and lunged with a large knife. Ryan Cashin and Richards then chased Rhamero after a collision. Rhamero jumped over garden fences and banged on doors for help. Cashin stabbed him multiple times, severing an artery in his left thigh. He was pronounced dead at 7:36pm despite attempts by residents and paramedics to save him.
Convictions and sentences
Cashin, Richards, and Giovanni Lawrence were convicted of murder in the first trial. Cashin, now 23, received a life sentence with a minimum term of 23 years and 142 days. Richards, now 21, received life with a minimum of 17 years and 113 days. Lawrence appealed, leading to a second trial where he was again found guilty, along with Shikeo Bell, who was identified via DNA evidence. Lawrence and Bell will be sentenced later this week.
Mother's foundation and impact
Kelly Brown established Mero's World Foundation in memory of her son, raising funds for around 20 bleed cabinets across Manchester. These kits are for public use in stabbings or other incidents causing blood loss. She stated, 'All those involved in taking my son's life will serve their time and justice will prevail. However... their families will not suffer the way we have.' Detective Chief Inspector Liz Hopkinson of GMP said, 'Rhamero was only 16-years-old when he was violently, and needlessly, murdered in broad daylight by a group of teenagers.'
Family's tribute
Rhamero's family said in a tribute: 'We are all devastated and are now left with an empty hole in our hearts. Mero was a beautiful soul and got on with everyone who he met.' His mother added, 'To the court, my boy is just a statistic – another case – but to me this is real life.'
