Teen Shot and Stabbed to Death Outside Tottenham Music Studio
A 17-year-old boy was brutally murdered outside a Tottenham music studio last April. Tyler McDermott was shot in the head with a ball-bearing gun and then stabbed with a machete while lying helpless on the ground.
Four Found Guilty After Three-Month Trial
After a tense three-month trial, four young men – Tyrese Barnett, Leo Reid, Rhys Antwi, and Kalam Bagge – were found guilty of Tyler’s murder. Prosecutor John Price KC told the court tension between rival groups had been brewing that morning before the deadly attack erupted.
“Barnett shot Tyler first,” said Price, “then Reid attacked him with a machete.” Despite paramedics’ best efforts, Tyler died in hospital the next day.
Attackers Caught Trying to Flee to Jamaica
The killers were quickly identified by police and found just two days later at Heathrow Airport with one-way tickets to Jamaica. The court heard they planned to escape together but were arrested in time.
Additional Charges and Acquittals
- Barnett, currently of no fixed address, was also convicted of attempted murder.
- Reid and Antwi pleaded guilty to possessing offensive weapons.
- Two others charged with murder were acquitted by the jury last month.
The four convicted men, from areas including Streatham and Tooting, are set to be sentenced on September 20.
Prosecutor Highlights Callous and Planned Attack
In closing statements, John Price KC described the crime as cold-blooded and premeditated. He stressed that Reid’s machete attack, though not directly causing Tyler’s death, proved shared guilt in the murder.
Tottenham Community Reels from Violence
The murder has rocked Tottenham, spotlighting ongoing youth violence and gang tension in the area. It has sparked urgent calls for action from residents and officials alike.
Families Demand Justice as Sentencing Looms
With sentencing fast approaching, local leaders urge the community to unite against violence. Meanwhile, Tyler’s family continues to grieve, desperately seeking justice and peace after this senseless tragedy.
