Brutal Manchester Machete Murder: Teen Slashed to Death in Street Attack
A savage street brawl ended in tragedy on Moston Lane, Manchester, leaving 17-year-old John Soyoye dead after a machete attack by a gang of teens and young men.
Massive Mob Armed with Machetes and Bats
On the evening of November 5, 2020, a group of 13 males marched down Moston Lane towards Kenyon Lane. Suddenly, the gang pulled out weapons — machetes, bats, knives — and charged at another group, including John Soyoye.
Violence erupted immediately. Brent Tchipenda grappled with John in a desperate fight. But after John was injured, he and his mates bolted. The larger, armed gang gave chase on foot, heading towards Birchenall Street.
John Isolated, Surrounded, and Murdered
As John slowed from his injuries, he became separated from his group. The attackers closed in, surrounding him. What followed was a horrific, sustained assault: stabbings, slashes, kicks and blows from multiple weapons.
One attacker even filmed the ghastly scene. Despite the efforts of stunned passers-by who rushed to help, John died on the spot.
Police Hunt Ends with Jailing of Seven Killers
The gang scattered, with some fleeing in a taxi to Royal Oldham Hospital. Tchipenda went into A&E alone, claiming he was a victim of assault. Police quickly grew suspicious, arrested him, and then moved on to capture six more suspects.
- Francesco Raji – jailed 21 years
- Christopher Semedo – jailed 24 years
- Brent Tchipenda – jailed 21 years
- Octavio Antonio – jailed 20 years
- Ismael Correia – jailed 20½ years
- Nelson Correia – jailed 23½ years
- A 16-year-old boy – jailed 16 years (name withheld)
All were convicted of murder and violent disorder following an 11-week trial.
Mohammed Al-Jaf was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter and violent disorder. Sentencing is pending.
Police Warn: Knives Destroy Lives
“This was a horrific, violent and senseless assault that cost a young boy his life,” said Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Davies of GMP’s Major Incident Team. “No family should ever get the news their child has been brutally murdered in the street. Knives ruin lives — not only those of victims but also those who carry them. We hope the sentences send a strong message about the consequences of carrying weapons.”
The investigation continues as five suspects remain at large, believed to have fled the UK.
