Youngest UK murderers sentenced: Public outraged by lenient verdict
Two boys went to the park and, for unknown reasons, murdered a random teenager with a machete. At the time of the crime, they were just 12 years old. As it turned out, they were the youngest murderers in the history of the United Kingdom. Today, 13-year-old perpetrators have heard their sentences—the parents of the 19-year-old victim claim that they are definitely too lenient.
The two boys were just 12 years old when they murdered 19-year-old Shawn Seesahai using a 16-inch machete. The brutal attack took place in a park in Wolverhampton in November 2023.
According to the "Daily Mail", after the attack, the perpetrators fled to one of their homes, where they played video games and talked via Snapchat. At that time, the seriously injured Seesahai was still fighting for his life.
One of the perpetrators had an obsessive fascination with knives. He posed for photos with the machete in his pants just an hour before the murder. A recording from his phone shows him sending a picture with the caption "Prison Freestyle".
The fateful day and the course of the crime. "Only you know"
During the trial, which lasted a month, evidence presented in the courtroom included, among other things, the clothing of both boys and the murder weapon. The clothing was covered in the victim's blood, as confirmed by DNA tests.
It turned out that the first boy bought the machete from a friend for 50 CAD. On the day of the murder, he returned from school, took the murder weapon, and went to meet the second boy and a few other friends.
19-year-old Seesahai returned to the bench by the field where he had been sitting earlier. At that time, the then 12-year-old perpetrators occupied the spot. The teenager asked the boys to move over. That’s when the tragedy occurred.
The victim was struck with the machete on the back, legs, and skull, and was also beaten. The fatal blow was to the back, piercing his lungs and heart. The wound was 9 inches deep and nearly went through his entire body.
I am not sure which one of you stabbed Shawn in the body. Only you know. You acted together to kill him. Both of you are responsible for his death — said the judge when delivering the verdict.
The youngest murderers in the United Kingdom. Controversy surrounding the court's verdict
The accused were placed in His Majesty's Youth Offender Institution, which is the legal equivalent of a life sentence for a minor. Finally, the youngest murderers in the history of the United Kingdom will be sent to juvenile facilities.
Theoretically, if they are deemed a threat to society, they may never be released from prison. However, if they make significant progress, are not deemed a threat, and behave well, they will be released – subject to parole board approval – after reaching the age of 20.
I am not satisfied. All the children in the United Kingdom will see that they will get only seven years and will do the same — said the victim's grieving mother after the court's verdict.
A social tragedy
Seesahai's family, who followed the trial from Anguilla, did not hide their sorrow and terror. In a statement, they emphasized what a great loss the teenager's death was for the entire family.
The police and the prosecutor's office emphasize the need for continued efforts to prevent knife crimes, especially among youths.
It is our duty to work together to understand why young people carry weapons and take further steps to stop it – emphasized Chief Constable, Kim Madill.
