Death of stabbing victim Ryan Passey to be reviewed
The stabbing of a footballer in a Black Country nightclub is being reviewed by detectives after a man accused of his murder was cleared by a jury.
Ryan Passey died from a knife wound after an argument broke out in Chicagos in Stourbridge last August.
In February, Kobe Murray was found not guilty of the murder and manslaughter of the 24-year-old following a two week trial at Birmingham Crown Court.
Mr Murray admitted stabbing Ryan, but said it was an accident.
Today, West Midlands Police confirmed it was reviewing the case.
Spokesman Kate Baker said officers were also looking for new evidence, which would enable a fresh prosecution.
She said: "We are in the process of conducting a review of this case and will continue to follow any positive lines of enquiry, discussing all options with the Crown Prosecution Service.
"We maintain regular contact with the family of Ryan Passey providing updates on the enquires, answering any questions and offering support during this difficult time."
WATCH: Ryan's family recall harrowing trial
The jury's verdict led to a campaign by the family of Ryan and family friend Jason Connon.
They want the law changed to enable victims and their families to appeal against jury decisions.
Stourbridge MP Margot James has supported them.
After the case she wrote to the Attorney General on the matter. The office has since replied, saying it will also look back over the case.
This week, Ms James said: “I am continuing to work with Ryan’s family and Jason Connon to provide any help I can in their campaign to see that justice is done for Ryan.
"The case has been raised with the Attorney General, and I am continuing to seek further discussions with the relevant authorities.”
Ryan lived in Brierley Hill. He was a keen football player who also ran his own window cleaning business.
Following his death, hundreds of people turned out at his funeral at St James’s Church in Wollaston, Stourbridge.
Phil said: "The support and sense of purpose has kept us going. We all want justice for Ryan."
The family have launched a petition backing their campaign.
If it gets 100,000 signatures, it will be debated in Parliament. See www.change.org/p/justice-for-ryan-ryan-s-law
