Milton Keynes man jailed for murdering Wolverhampton teen

Nehemie Tampwo of Fern Grove, Bletchley, Brian Sasa, of Long Ley, Heath Town and Zenay Pennant-Phillips from North Green, 20, and 19-year-old Tyrique King of Chelwood Gardens, were found guilty of murdering Keelan Wilson in Wolverhampton.

On Tuesday, May 29, 2018, Keelan was attacked by the group in Strathfield Walk in the city at around 11pm where he was sat in a taxi.

He was stabbed 43 times.

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Keelan Wilson died in May 2018, aged 15 (West Midlands Police)

According to West Midlands Police, Keelan’s death ‘was a culmination of increasing acts of violence between opposing gangs in Wolverhampton.’

It was also reported that Keelan and two others were ‘shot at by a group of youngsters on bikes’ but were not injured, as ‘tensions were running high’ in the city amongst rival gangs.

And on the day of Keelan’s death, ‘a number of outbreaks of violence and disorder’ were reported, which saw an ‘associate’ of the 15-year-old being attacked at a barbershop in Victoria Street, Wolverhampton.

What West Midlands Police said

According to the police, as the violence continued, Keelan and a friend spent some time driving around in a Citroen which was ‘unreliable’ and ‘broke down on several occasions’.

They were seen attending to the car but asked some people passing to call a taxi.

Nehemie Tampwo will spend a minimum of 18 years in jail before he is considered for parole (West Midlands Police)

It arrived three minutes later, but the group were seen heading towards Keelan where he was stabbed multiple times.

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The group were all found guilty in January this year and were sentenced on Friday, May 14.

A video with more information regarding the attack that happened in May 2018 

Sasa, Tampwo, and King will each serve a minimum of 18 years, with Pennant-Phillips, serving 17 years before they will be eligible to apply for parole.

They were all due to be sentenced in March, but it was pushed back to May.

Tyrique King

Detective Inspector Nick Barnes, from our homicide team, said: “Keelan’s death was unnecessary and tragic.

"He was brutally murdered by a group of young men who chose to carry knives.

“It’s a tragic reality that we’ve seen an increasing number of young people who decide to carry weapons.

“Our message is clear, if you carry a knife you are likely to use it.

“The consequences are truly devastating and those responsible are now facing lengthy prison sentences.

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“Keelan was a child who had his whole life ahead of him.

Zennay Pennant-Phillips (West Midlands Police)

“His loss is felt by many, the shocking amount of violence on our streets was senseless and completely incomprehensible.

“Our investigation has been incredibly complex and it’s taken some time to get those responsible charged and put through the court process.

“However, throughout, we shared the same desire as Keelan’s family, to bring them to justice.

“I hope the outcome today offers them some comfort.

Brian Sasa (West Midlands Police)

“My thoughts remain with them."

To see the full details of Keelan’s tragic passing, visit https://west-midlands.police.uk/news/four-people-found-guilty-murder-keelan-wilson.

If you know anyone related to gangs, visit www.droptheknife.org.uk for help.