A 17-year-old boy has been found guilty of fatally stabbing a teenager in north London’s Highbury Fields.
Deshaun James-Tuitt, 15, was stabbed in the Islington park shortly before 9pm on August 4, 2022, and was found running towards nearby police officers saying: “Officer, I’ve been stabbed."
He died at the scene.
On Wednesday, a 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named due to his age, was found guilty of Deshaun’s murder. Six other youths were acquitted.
The court heard how the killer had travelled to Highbury Fields with a group on public transport while wearing a mask and carrying a knife.
He began robbing people in the park when confronted by Deshaun, who had been there for a birthday celebration, before he stabbed him.
The killer was arrested six days later, with police discovering mobile phone chats where he spoke of stabbing ‘Huntz’ - Deshaun's nickname.
Met Police DCI Joanna Yorke said: “The boy denied stabbing Deshaun, but it was clear that he had travelled to Highbury Fields that night, with a covered face, armed and looking for trouble.
“He knew that, should the need arise, his weapon would be used.
"This theory was supported by the fact that, just minutes after he arrived at the park, Deshaun had been fatally stabbed.
“There is no verdict that can give Deshaun back to his family. I sincerely hope that they find some comfort in today’s verdicts – my thoughts are with them.”
In a statement after the verdict, Deshaun's family spoke of their sorrow at their loss.
“He was my firstborn, and he would have been 18 years old. All my friends that I went to school with have their firstborn children - except me,” said Deshaun’s parents.
“To the person involved in the stabbing and taking his life: he didn’t deserve to die like that. I had a mental breakdown, and I will never be able to get over this.
"I want you to know that Deshaun was a son, a brother, a grandson, a great grandson, a nephew and a cousin to so many on both sides of the family, so I want you to realise that he was a valuable member of our family. We won’t forgive or forget.
"Deshaun, you can now rest in peace. Hopefully, justice will be served. Not only is Deshaun’s life lost, they who have done the crime will serve the time.”
The 17-year-old who was convicted of murder has been remanded ahead of sentencing on April 25, 2025.
