Deshaun James-Tuitt

A TEENAGER has been convicted of murder at the Old Bailey after a stabbing in Highbury Fields.

The 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named because of his age, was found guilty of killing Deshaun James-Tuitt in summer 2022.

The case had taken nearly three years to go before a jury and had six other defendants, all of whom were acquitted and walked free from court on Wednesday.

A sentencing hearing will now take place in April for the one that was convicted.

In a statement released this week, Deshaun’s family said: “He was my firstborn, and he would have been 18 years old. All my friends that I went to school with have their firstborn children – except me.

“To the person involved in the stabbing and taking his life: he didn’t deserve to die like that. I had a mental breakdown, and I will never be able to get over this.

“I want you to know that Deshaun was a son, a brother, a grandson, a great grandson, a nephew and a cousin to so many on both sides of the family, so I want you to realise that he was a valuable member of our family.”

Flowers left at Highbury Fields after Deshaun’s death in 2022

The statement added: “We won’t forgive or forget. Deshaun, you can now rest in peace. Hopefully, justice will be served. Not only is Deshaun’s life lost, they who have done the crime will serve the time.”

The court heard that Deshaun had been at a birthday party in the park with a group of friends on August 4 2022, the night he died.

The convicted defendant, then aged 15, was wearing a face covering and was armed with a knife. The court was told he travelled with a group of boys to Highbury Fields, where he was seen robbing people in the park.

This led to an argument between him and Deshaun, who police reported as having run to them saying: “Officer, I’ve been stabbed.”

The killer fled the scene and Deshaun died in hospital later that night.

Police recovered phone messages from August 8 in which their suspect spoke of stabbing “Huntz” – Deshaun’s nickname.

DCI Joanna Yorke said: “The boy denied stabbing Deshaun, but it was clear that he had travelled to Highbury Fields that night armed and looking for trouble.

“This theory was supported by the fact that, just minutes after he arrived at the park, Deshaun had been fatally stabbed. There is no verdict that can give Deshaun back to his family.

“I sincerely hope that they find some comfort in today’s verdicts. My thoughts are with them.”