Derby Teen Found Guilty of Brutal Murder at Party
Chardon Carlington Carnagie, 19, has been found guilty of murder following a deadly stabbing at a Stretton house party. Alongside him, 18-year-old Mykel Elrol Paddifoot and a 17-year-old girl, both from Derby, were convicted of manslaughter after a nine-week trial at Stafford Crown Court.
Fatal Stabbing at Birthday Bash
The tragic attack happened in the early hours of 11 December 2021. Oliver Freckleton, 19, from Burton, was celebrating at a party on Bridgeside, Stretton. Just after 1:30am, he was outside when Carnagie fatally stabbed him in the left thigh, severing the femoral artery and vein. Oliver died at the scene despite emergency efforts to save him.
Plot Unfolded via Snapchat and Messages
- The 17-year-old female defendant reportedly complained about a guest during the party, telling others, “I’m gonna get Chardon to come down and he carries” – implying Carnagie had a knife.
- She phoned Carnagie, who coordinated with friends via a Snapchat group, where they expressed frustration at not being invited to the party.
- Paddifoot sent a message saying “ching man up,” meaning either “get ready” or “bring a knife.”
- Carnagie drove from Derby to the party, picked up the 17-year-old female, then met with Paddifoot and Reid at a Derby car park before heading back to Stretton.
- CCTV shows the group arriving in convoy shortly before the stabbing.
Violent Scene and Aftermath
Witnesses described some attendees wearing balaclavas, gloves, and masks, with some seen holding knives and guns. One witness saw Carnagie flash a “something shiny” and admitted being punched and slashed during the chaos. Oliver was stabbed, another guest suffered slash wounds, and witnesses saw a masked man wielding a knife.
Forensics found Oliver’s blood on Carnagie, the 17-year-old girl, and inside Carnagie’s car. Disturbingly, Carnagie wiped his phone clean before arrest.
Police and Family Respond
Detective Inspector Adrian Webb said: “This was a cowardly and senseless attack. Oliver’s murder devastates his family. Only Carnagie inflicted the fatal wound, but the others were there to encourage or assist the violence. Some wore face coverings; at least one carried a knife and another a gun. None tried to help Oliver, who was left bleeding to death just before his 20th birthday. His young daughter now faces life without her father. This tragic case shows the deadly consequences of carrying knives.”
Oliver’s family paid tribute: “While we accept today’s verdict, nothing can bring Oliver back. Taken in a violent, cruel attack, Oliver didn’t deserve this. We will carry the pain forever. Thanks to the legal teams and Staffordshire Police for their professionalism and tireless work ensuring justice. We’re grateful for the support from emergency services and the introduction of bleed kits, which may save lives in future incidents.”
Sentencing will be announced at Stafford Crown Court in the near future.
