Derby Trio Found Guilty in Brutal Stabbing Murder
Chardon Carlington Carnagie, 19, has been convicted of murder following the fatal stabbing of Oliver Freckleton, 19. Two others — Mykel Elrol Paddifoot, 18, and a 17-year-old girl from Derby — were found guilty of manslaughter at Stafford Crown Court after a nine-week trial. Another man, Travel Reid, 21, pleaded guilty to manslaughter earlier.
Party Turns Deadly in Stretton
On 10 December 2021, Oliver Freckleton was celebrating a birthday at a house party on Bridgeside, Stretton. Just after 1.30am, he stepped outside the front door and was stabbed in the left thigh. The wound severed his femoral artery and vein, causing him to bleed to death at the scene despite emergency efforts.
Guests at the party described seeing some arrivals wearing balaclavas, masks, and gloves. One was spotted carrying a blade, another a gun. Witnesses say Carnagie pulled something shiny from his side during the attack and punched a partygoer who later suffered slash wounds to his leg.
Coordinated Attack Linked by Messages and CCTV
The court heard the attack was no random fight. The 17-year-old female defendant made a call to Carnagie, telling him to come down with a weapon. Mykel Paddifoot sent a message saying “ching man up,” meaning ready up or bring a knife.
CCTV footage showed Carnagie driving a silver Astra from Derby to the party. He stopped in Derby to meet Paddifoot and Reid, who arrived in a grey Nissan Juke. The three vehicles then proceeded to Bridgeside in Stretton, arriving around 1.20am—just minutes before the stabbing.
Forensic tests revealed Oliver’s blood on Carnagie’s shorts, the 17-year-old’s dress, and inside Carnagie’s car. Carnagie wiped his phone clean before arrest, raising suspicion.
Police and Family Condemn Knife Crime
“This was a cowardly and senseless attack,” said Detective Inspector Adrian Webb. “Oliver’s murder continues to devastate his family. Some covered their faces; some carried knives and guns. None tried to help Oliver, who died just before his 20th birthday. His young daughter will now grow up without him. This tragedy highlights the deadly consequences of carrying knives.”
Oliver’s family paid tribute, saying: “Nothing will ever bring Oliver back. He was taken in such a violent and cruel attack. We will never stop thinking of him. We thank the legal teams and Staffordshire Police for their tireless work and support. We are grateful emergency bleed kits are now being provided to help save lives.”
Sentencing is scheduled at Stafford Crown Court at a later date.
