Dea-John Reid: Two more charged with the murder of 14 year old

Two more men have been charged with the murder of Dea-John Reid.

Dea-John Reid died from a stab wound to his chest in College Road in the Kingstanding area of the city on Monday.

George Khan, 38, of Newstead Road in the city, and a 14-year-old boy are due to appear before magistrates today. The first man charged was was Michael Shields, 35, from Alvis Walk, Castle Bromwich and he was due appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court yesterday.

Detective chief inspector, Stuart Mobberley, said: “This is a significant step forward in our investigation, but we are still pursuing all lines of inquiry to find anyone else involved in Dea-John’s tragic death.

“We are looking at all the circumstances which led up to the events of Monday evening and anyone who has information should contact us.”

A post-mortem examination confirmed Dea-John died from a stab wound to his chest.

The incident took place on Monday evening and the ‘talented and much-loved’ boy was chased and stabbed near a McDonald’s drive-thru on College Road, in the Kingstanding area of the city.

The year 9 pupil, collapsed into the road at around 7.30pm and died at the scene.

Police said the attack took place after an earlier incident, where Dea-John and his friends were subjected to racist language.

In a moving tribute Reid’s family described him as an “incredibly talented young boy”.

“We’d like to thank the emergency services for their diligence and support…and the public for their outpouring of love and support throughout this tragic and challenging time”, they said.

“This loss not only affects us but everyone Dea-John knew, we have lost a son, his siblings have lost a brother and others have lost a friend.

“The passing of this incredibly talented young boy will be felt by us all.

“How many more mothers will have to mourn for their sons for this to stop?”

Police has said they will also patrol a Birmingham academy to ‘ensure the safety’ of students and staff after the tragic murder of the year 9 pupil.

Harborne Academy said officers would be at the school when students returned from half-term on Monday, June 7 as they paid a heartfelt tribute to their pupil, Dea-John Reid.

West Midlands Police have voluntarily referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct after “looking at previous incidents involving the victim”.

Anyone with information has been asked to get in touch via www.west-midlands.police.uk, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.