Teen Killers Get Life for Tragic Mistaken Identity Murder
Two teenagers have been jailed for life over the shocking stabbing death of 16-year-old Ronan Kanda in Wolverhampton. Ronan, a promising schoolboy, was fatally attacked on June 29, 2022, just yards from his family home in a brutal case of mistaken identity.
Ronan’s Final Walk Ends in Tragedy
On that fateful evening, Ronan had set out to buy a PlayStation controller from a friend’s house nearby. Unbeknown to him, he was targeted and stabbed from behind while walking home, listening to music on his headphones. Ronan had just finished his GCSEs and was looking forward to summer and starting sixth form.
Earlier that same day, 16-year-old Prabjeet Veadhesa had bought a ninja sword set and a large machete online. Fuelled by a grudge against one of Ronan’s friends over money owed, Veadhesa teamed up with three others for a violent confrontation. The group drove in a red Vauxhall Corsa to Lanesfield — weapons in tow and trouble on their minds.
Fatal Attack Caught on CCTV, Prompt Arrests
As Ronan neared his home on Mount Road, Veadhesa and 16-year-old Sukhman Shergill jumped from the car and chased him down. Veadhesa stabbed Ronan twice. Helpless and stunned, Ronan fell to the ground calling for help but died instantly.
Police launched a swift investigation, using CCTV footage to identify the attackers. After a five-week trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court, a jury swiftly convicted Veadhesa and Shergill, both 17 at the time, of murder. The driver, 20-year-old Josiah Francis, and front-seat passenger, 18-year-old Joseph Whittaker, were cleared of all charges.
Life Sentences for Teens, Family Left Heartbroken
On July 13, Veadhesa, from Walsall, received a life sentence with at least 18 years to serve. Shergill, from Willenhall, was handed life with a minimum of 16 years. The tragic loss has devastated Ronan’s family.
“On June 29, 2022, my innocent son was murdered. I remember kissing his cheek and telling him how handsome he looked. That was the last time I saw him alive,” said Ronan’s mother Pooja in a emotional court statement.
Ronan’s father Chander added, “He wasn’t just my child, he was my world, my friend, the soul of our family.”
