Nightclub Stabbing Shocker: Kai Killed in Kingston
Kai was fatally stabbed in the chest in Kingston town centre in the early hours of Saturday, 21 August 2021. The 22-year-old’s night out ended in tragedy after a chilling attack by two men just outside a nightclub.
Myles Found Guilty of Murder, Barker Guilty of Manslaughter
Joseph Barker, 23, of Clifton Gardens, Uxbridge, has been found guilty of manslaughter. Ben Myles, 24, from North End Road, Southall, was convicted of murder following a tense trial at Kingston Crown Court on Friday, 14 October. A third suspect, aged 18, was acquitted.
Brutal Attack After Club Night Out
On that fateful night, Kai and a friend were returning home after a night out in Epsom. They stopped in Kingston on Fife Road to grab food and chat outside the Pryzm nightclub. Barker and Myles had been inside the club and left around 3:15 am.
Detective Inspector Mike Nolan revealed how Myles “secured a knife during the night out” and “dressed to avoid detection”, suggesting a premeditated plan to target Kai. Both men concealed their faces with hooded jumpers taken from friends before closing in on Kai.
Myles produced the knife and stabbed Kai in the chest. Despite trying to flee, Kai collapsed twice — near the Premier Inn and then outside the Travel Lodge. Medics and officers tried to save him before he was airlifted to St George’s Hospital but tragically died.
Police Hunt and Court Battle
After the stabbing, Barker returned briefly to the scene before both men fled separately. They later regrouped, disposing of their knives and hooded tops. Specialist Crime South led a meticulous CCTV investigation, which uncovered the murder weapon hidden in a drain using a magnet.
Both suspects were arrested on 1 September. Officers found a knife concealed amid jumpers at Myles’ home. In court, Myles claimed the murder knife belonged to Kai and said he acted in self-defence, but his story fell apart. Barker was also seen carrying a knife, and Myles took pains to dispose of the weapon and never mentioned self-defence during police interviews.
“My thoughts today are with Kai’s family and friends who continue to come to terms with this tragic and unnecessary incident,” said Detective Inspector Mike Nolan.
