Deadly Gang Jailed for Stabbing and Robbery Spree in Blackpool
Christopher Carrington, 26, and Kevin Gracia, 26, have been found guilty of the manslaughter of Kris Kam. The jury at Preston Crown Court also convicted Carrington and Shaquille Cumberbatch, 27, of a violent robbery the day before Mr Kam was fatally stabbed.
Brutal Stabbing on Queen Victoria Road
On October 26, 2019, police were called to Queen Victoria Road, Blackpool at 11:15am after reports of a stabbing. Emergency teams found Kris Kam with three stab wounds to his upper legs. He was rushed to Blackpool Victoria Hospital but died the next day.
Detectives revealed Mr Kam was cycling when a black Volkswagen Golf stopped. Several men jumped out, knocked him off his bike, punched and kicked him, then stabbed him before fleeing.
The attack was witnessed by a 12-year-old boy and a nearby resident. Police launched a major investigation and found the Volkswagen Golf abandoned on Rydal Avenue.
Robbery Linked to Killer Crew
The previous day, an 18-year-old was viciously attacked and robbed on Grasmere Road. Shaquille Cumberbatch punched the victim unconscious before Carrington stabbed him in the leg. The gang stole his £900 Samsung phone and fled in the same black Volkswagen Golf. The victim suffered fractured cheekbones, a broken nose, chipped teeth, brain bleeding, and a stab wound.
Damning Evidence Seals Their Fate
- The car was hired from Manchester by Cumberbatch and had a GPS tracker placing it at both crime scenes.
- CCTV footage confirmed the Golf’s movements and the suspects’ attacks.
- Kris Kam’s blood was found inside the car and on Carrington’s trainers.
- The stolen phone was recovered from a flat on Central Drive.
- A knife believed to be the murder weapon was flushed down a toilet in the same flat.
- Eyewitnesses helped identify the men during the investigation.
After a foot chase, police arrested all three men jumping from a first-floor flat window. The trio was convicted on November 23.
Sentences and Police Reaction
Carrington received 20 years plus a three-year extended licence. Gracia was jailed for nine years and nine months. Cumberbatch got seven years and six months.
“These men came to Blackpool and committed violent offences to intimidate local vulnerable communities and establish a drug-dealing foothold,” said Det Ch Insp Lee Wilson.
“Kris Kam was an innocent victim wrongly targeted on the mistaken belief he was connected to a rival gang.”
“They launched a cowardly group attack on Mr Kam, using overwhelming force and ultimately a knife, causing his death.”
“I pay tribute to Mr Kam’s family who have supported police throughout this investigation. Our thoughts remain with them,” he added.
“I also thank the robbery victim and his family for their courage in coming forward.”
