The teenager who fatally stabbed a 16-year-old boy in Manchester has finally been named now he’s turned 18. L’Vaion Peniston, 18, was just 14 when he killed Kennie Carter in Stretford back in January 2022. Until now, court restrictions kept his identity under wraps due to his age. But those rules expired after his recent birthday.
Life Sentence for Teen Killer
In July 2024, Peniston was handed a youth life sentence at Manchester Crown Court. He must serve a minimum of 17 years before parole can be considered. Sentencing him, Mr Justice Goose said:
“This was yet another killing of a young person with a knife against the backdrop of gang violence. The tragedy is that not only does it destroy the lives of the victims and their families, but also those who commit the offence.”
Final Moments of Victim
Kennie was on the phone to his older brother moments before the attack. He told him, “Oh, they’ve stabbed me in my heart, bro.” Kennie was later found lying in the street. Passers-by desperately tried to save him but failed.
Others Also Jailed
Three other teens were convicted of manslaughter in the same trial:
- Latif Ferguson, 18 at the time, got five years’ detention.
- Boy G and Boy H—whose names were withheld—each received four years’ detention.
- Six others were acquitted of murder and manslaughter charges.
Jurors heard that Kennie’s friends had a run-in with rivals linked to the defendants before Peniston pulled out a knife. CCTV even showed Peniston re-enacting the stabbing just minutes after the attack.
Ongoing Knife Crime Crisis
Kennie Carter’s death is only one in a string of fatal stabbings in Greater Manchester. The rising tide of youth violence and knife crime continues to devastate communities across the area.
