Party Ends in Tragedy as Man Stabbed to Death in Toxteth
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has revealed that Trene Colecozy-Rogers stabbed 26-year-old Dre Estridge to death during a memorial gathering on Oakham Street, Toxteth, on 25 June 2020.
Memorial Turns Deadly
Dijiuna Garrett and her family were hosting an annual party to remember her late two-year-old son O’Shea, who died in 1997. The event, held at their home, started around 4pm and went on into the early hours.
Marita Colecozy, a close family friend, arrived with her daughter Rene. As the night wore on and she drank more, Marita’s behaviour took a turn for the worse. She attacked a young man who refused to dance with her, falling and injuring herself. Her conduct became abusive, leading family members to call her son Trene to take her home.
Deadly Argument in Bedroom
Dre Estridge was in his brother Denzil’s room when Trene arrived. The pair began arguing, with Trene threatening: “Lad, I’ll poke you with it.” Dre shot back: “If you’re gonna poke me with it, poke me with it.”
Both families had grown up together, so no one sensed the deadly storm brewing. Minutes later, Dre’s sister Demmere saw Trene rush down the stairs and leave the house fast.
She then found Dre collapsed on the bedroom floor, a knife wound gaping in his chest.
Knife Used From House Left Out for Decorating
The murder weapon was a knife previously used by Ms Garrett for decorating. It pierced Dre’s chest and severed his aorta, causing massive internal bleeding. Despite paramedics’ best efforts, Dre’s death was instant and unavoidable.
Trene fled the scene, later attempting to dispose of his clothes, clean and dump the knife. He only handed himself into police three days later.
Guilty of Murder
On 8 December 2020, a jury at Liverpool Crown Court convicted Trene Colecozy-Rogers of murder by a majority verdict of 11 to 1.
“Trene admitted he stabbed Dre Estridge but denied intent to kill,” said Senior Crown Prosecutor Adrian Evans. “We asked the jury if he didn’t intend serious harm, then what did he intend? They agreed with us — guilty of murder.”
“It’s a dreadful waste of two young lives. Dre is dead, and Trene now faces a long jail term. This happened at a memorial for a young child’s death, making it even more tragic for the family.”
“Knives devastate individuals, families and communities. Our thoughts are with Dre’s family at this difficult time.”
