In a harrowing case that shocked the community of Wolverhampton, two men have been found guilty of the brutal murder of 16-year-old Terrell Marshall-Williams. Terrell was stabbed eight times with a Rambo knife at a flat on Warnford Walk, Merry Hill, on the afternoon of September 18 last year.
Today, Omari Lauder, 24, of Wolverhampton Street, Darlaston, and Mpho Obi, 22, of Strathfield Walk, Merry Hill, were both convicted of Terrell’s murder following a three-week trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court. The two men had denied the charges of murder and possessing an offensive weapon.
During the trial, it was revealed that Obi had admitted to possessing heroin and cannabis with intent to supply before the trial, while Lauder was found not guilty of the same charges. Both men will face sentencing on July 1.
The tragic events unfolded when the defendants, armed with a large Rambo knife, went to the flat where Terrell was already present with a friend. A ferocious attack ensued, leaving Terrell fatally wounded. Despite efforts by paramedics to resuscitate him, Terrell succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The diligent work of the police was instrumental in securing the convictions. CCTV footage captured Lauder and Obi discarding incriminating evidence in a nearby field, including clothing, drugs, and a mobile phone. Additionally, the blood-stained Rambo knife used in the attack was recovered.
Following the murder, both men attempted to evade capture. Lauder was dropped off at his home by a taxi, where officers found a trail of blood leading to his front door. Inside, signs indicated that Lauder had attempted to administer first aid to himself. Obi, on the other hand, boasted about the stabbing in a message sent from his phone shortly after the incident.
Detective Inspector Dan Jarratt, who led the investigation, emphasized the severity of the crime and the importance of tackling knife crime. He expressed hope that the conviction would bring some measure of closure to Terrell’s family and underscored the relentless efforts of West Midlands Police to combat knife-related violence.
The tragic loss of Terrell serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of carrying weapons and the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address this pressing issue within communities.
