Four teenagers appear in court charged with murder after Stourbridge stabbing
Four teenagers have appeared in court charged with the murder of 16-year-old Joseph Riches in Stourbridge on Saturday.
Dray Simmonds, aged 19, and Joshua Edgington, 19, and two 16-year-old boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.
Joseph, from Birmingham, was stabbed in Coventry Street on Saturday evening. He was driven to Orchard Close in Rowley Regis where an ambulance was called. Nothing could be done to save him and he died at the scene.
All four defendants have been charged with Joseph's murder and Simmonds and one of the 16-year-old boys have also been charged with possession of an offensive weapon.
Simmonds, from Dixons Green Road, Dudley, and Edgington, from Hallewell Road, Birmingham, and the two boys were all remanded in custody.
They will appear at Birmingham Crown Court on Wednesday.
Joe's devastated mum has paid tribute to her only son, saying: “Joe wanted nothing more than to grow up and be a dad. He will never get the chance to do that now and for a mum, that is truly devastating.
“Joe loved going to the gym and was just a happy and loving son. I want to appeal to people to help the police to find out what happened to my son and would ask anyone that can help to come forward with information.”
Detective Inspector Laura Harrison, from West Midlands Police's homicide department, said: “Our thoughts remain with the family of Joe who are devastated by the loss of their child.
“Our investigation is still ongoing and we are appealing to anyone who can help us piece together what happened to get in touch with us.
“We’ve been exploring CCTV and making enquiries and I’d like to thank the public and local community for supporting us so far.”
There will be increased police activity in and around Stourbridge bus station today as police continue to appeal for information.
Anyone who can help is urged to contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat on their website or by calling 101 quoting log 3668 of 15/7.
Alternatively information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
