Teenager handed life sentence for murder of 13-year-old in Sandwell
Jahziah Coke was fatally stabbed at an address in Oldbury on 29 August last year.
A youth convicted of murdering a 13-year-old boy during a drug-related row has been handed a life sentence with a minimum term of eight and a half years.
Jahziah Coke was fatally stabbed at an address in Oldbury on 29 August last year.
He was convicted of murder following a trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court in April.
Passing sentence at Wolverhampton Crown Court, Mrs Justice Tipples told the defendant that she was sure he had "intended to kill" Jahziah after pushing or moving a knife around his neck.
She told the youth: "When you killed Jahziah he was only 13 and a child with everything in life ahead of him. This was a nasty and violent attack."
During her sentencing remarks the judge accepted that the weapon used in the killing belonged to Jahziah and was taken from him by his killer at an address in Oldbury, West Midlands, in August last year.
Detective Inspector Nick Barnes, from our homicide unit, said: “This is a deeply saddening case where a young boy tragically lost his life. Our thoughts will forever remain with Jahziah's loved ones."
Emily Clewer, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “This is a deeply tragic case where Jahziah Coke lost his life and entire future senselessly to knife violence.
“Jahziah Coke’s family and loved ones have suffered unimaginable pain and loss, and our thoughts are with them as they deal with the aftermath of this tragedy.
“The teenager responsible for this murder will now face the consequences of his actions in ways that will irrevocably change the trajectory of his life.
“While today’s sentencing cannot undo the awful events that transpired that day, we hope it sends a strong message about the devastating impact of knife crime and how it can destroy lives, families and futures.
“There are no excuses for carrying or using knives to harm and kill, and the CPS will continue to work tirelessly with the police and partners to tackle knife crime and bring offenders to justice.”
Reporting restrictions surrounding this case remain in place.