Three sentenced for stabbing of Vernard Murray in Cheetham Hill
Vernard died of his injuries in October 2025.
Last updated 18th Jul 2026
Three men have been sentenced after a 26 year old was fatally stabbed in Greater Manchester.
Vernard Murray was found seriously injured at a property in Cardinal Street, Manchester, on October 23 2025.
Manchester Crown Court heard he had been violently pursued and attacked by a group of men through the Cheetham Hill area. He died in hospital as a result of his injuries.
Greater Manchester Police began a murder investigation, and arrested Lee Williams, 19, of Gravenmoor Drive, Manchester, Riley McDermott, 18, of Inghamwood Close, Salford and John Harte, 19, of Weaste Lane, Salford.
The invesitgation uncovered CCTV footage showing the victim being chased by two masked men, who were later identified as Williams and McDermott. They were armed with large knives after his car was blocked, rammed and then overturned.
Vernard managed to escape the vehicle and run before he as stabbed.
Manchester Crown Court heard further enquiries led to officers finding footage of Harte telling someone to "burn it, the car". The BMW which was used by the offenders in the initial attack, was then found burnt two hours later, approximately 0.6 miles from the scene.
Following a trial earlier this year, Williams was convicted of murder and two counts of possession of a bladed article. He has been handed a life sentence, with a minimum term of 21 years, in a young offenders' institution.
McDermott and Harte were convicted of manslaughter and will serve eight and six years respectively in a young offenders' institution.
Vernard's family shared powerful statements at court following sentencing, some of which are included below.
His father shared: "Vernard wasn’t just my child—he was my pride, my hope for the future, and a huge part of who I am. To the people responsible, I want you to understand that your actions didn’t just take one life—they have destroyed many. You have taken a son from his father, and nothing will ever repair that.
"I will carry this loss for the rest of my life."
Vernard's mother shared: "Those responsible are given numbers to serve sentences, while I am left with a cemetery plot to visit and a lifetime of grief. I find myself asking where the justice is in this. In many ways, it feels as though I am serving a sentence alongside them, carrying the pain and consequences of their actions every day."
His siblings shared: "Our brother was more than another victim in this case. He was a son, a grandson, a father, a partner, an uncle, and our brother. He was loved, and he is missed every single day.
"No sentence can restore what has been taken from our family. The consequences of this murder will remain with us for the rest of our lives."
His partner shared: "Although the court will sentence those responsible today, my son and I will continue serving our own life sentence of grief.
"We will wake up every day knowing that Vernard is never coming home. Our son will grow up with memories instead of a father, and I will spend the rest of my life trying to fill a space that can never be filled"
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Naismith from our Major Incident Team said: "Today's sentencing reflects the devastating consequences of a shocking attack that claimed the life of Vernard Murray.
"This was a truly shocking case, occurring in a residential area, with fatal consequences. The violence inflicted upon him was horrific, and those actions have left a family grieving their loved one forever.
"No sentence can undo the loss they have experienced, but we hope today's outcome can provide them with some measure of justice and closure.
"I would also like to thank the officers and staff whose dedication and professionalism helped us identify the offenders and piece together significant amounts of evidence to secure these convictions.
"Violence of this nature has no place in our communities. This case demonstrates our unwavering commitment to pursuing those responsible for serious violent crimes and bringing them before the courts."