Express & Star

'I can't watch without crying': Friend pens heartfelt song to Keelan Wilson

The friend of a 15-year-old boy who was tragically stabbed to death has penned a touching song in his memory.

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The music video. Credit: Tarelle Harvey

Tarelle Harvey, 18, a close friend of Keelan Wilson, says it has taken him months to write the track - called Dear Keelan - because the pain of losing him was so raw.

Keelan died after he was fatally stabbed in Langley Road, in Merry Hill, Wolverhampton, on May 29, 2018.

Four men have been charged with his murder with three set to stand on trial in July.

Keelan's mother Kelly Ellitts, 42, says she is reduced to tears every time she watches the music video. She praised Tarelle for his positive actions.

She said: "I can't watch the video without crying. If you took Keelan out of it and I heard that song about any child, I still would."

Keelan Wilson pictured with his mother Kelly

The music video features song lyrics, words from Keelan's mother and clippings from news reports.

She continued: "The way I'm speaking, the news report, I think it is really positive. Especially with the Black Lives Matter movement.

"Someone losing their life plays with people's emotions. It is doesn't just affect their mom and dad but family and friends.

"It has certainly affected a lot of people that Keelan was friends with. This is a positive way of dealing with it.

"Boys can't control their emotions and may want to go out and get revenge. He has focused his energy in a good way."

Tarelle, who's artist name is T.Ace, has ambitions of becoming a successful music artist.

Tarelle Harvey

He said: "I would say it has took me four attempts to get it into a song.

"Basically, from when he passed away, I was trying to write song. But because it happened so soon it was hard."

He continued: "I did the music video just because of how close me and Keelan were. We knew each other since were 11. He was kind, funny and always happy."

In November, three men, who were all aged 18 at the time, where charged with Keelan's murder.

Those suspects are Tyrique King, of Chelwood Gardens, Spring Vale, Wolverhampton, Zenay Pennant-Phillips, whose address is withheld for legal reasons and Nehemie Tampwo of Fern Grove, Bletchley, Milton Keynes.

All three pleaded not guilty to murder when they appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court in January and are due to stand trial in July.

Brian Sasa, aged 19, from Long Ley, Heath Town, in Wolverhampton, was also charged with Keelan's murder on May 20.

He is to appear before Wolverhampton Crown Court for a hearing on June 19.