Two teenagers found not guilty of the murder of Amen Teklay in Glasgow
The 15-year-old was found seriously hurt on Clarendon Street in March 2025 and later died in hospital.
Last updated 6th Jul 2026
Two teenagers have been found not guilty of murdering Amen Teklay in Glasgow last year.
The 15-year-old was found on Clarendon Street in Maryhill in March last year.
The jury retired on Friday afternoon to consider its verdict and found the 16 and 17 year-olds not guilty.
The pair can't be named for legal reasons because of their ages.
The 16-year-old had launched a special defence of self-defence and the 17-year-old claimed not to know Amen.
The murder charge had alleged the two teenage boys, 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.
It had said that Amen was struck on the body with the sword, leaving him so severely injured that he died.
The 16-year-old had accepted that he stabbed Amen and the jury was asked to decide if he acted in self-defence or if he may have been provoked.
Jurors were also asked to consider whether the second accused, who is 17, acted in concert with the first.
The defence KC for the 17-year-old accused said he believed “he had done nothing wrong”.
Lawyer Iain McSporran KC said the accused boy “did not lay a finger on Amen Teklay”.
The trial took place before Lord Colbeck.
Outside the High Court, Kingsway Community Connections Community Development Worker Jamie O'Neill said it was an "important and emotional day for Amen's family".
He continued: "Since Amen's 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.
"Its impact reaches far beyond those directly involved and is felt by families, friends, neighbours and young people across our country.
"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 strong, connected and supportive communities matter.
"We know that when young people feel safe, valued, and supported, violence becomes less likely."
He finished by saying: "Today, however, our focus remains with Amen's family and with everyone who continues to feel his loss.
"While no verdict can undo the pain of what has happened, we hope that Amen's legacy will be one of compassion, opportunity, and positive change for future generations."
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