Darren Parker murder: Demarco Martin jailed for life after stabbing father to death in row over stolen TV
A man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a much-loved father and wounding his step-son during a row over a stolen TV.
Demarco Martin, 19, stabbed Darren Parker, 43, yards away from their homes in Campville Crescent, Stone Cross, West Bromwich, in April.
Martin was found guilty of murdering Mr Parker at Wolverhampton Crown Court today.
He was handed a life sentence by Judge James Burbidge QC and will serve a minimum of 16 and a half years.
A jury was told earlier that Mr Parker had stepped in to defend his step-son, Sean Varden, after an argument flared.
Mr Varden had discovered his TV had been stolen at about 2.30pm on April 6 and he said Martin had attacked him after he asked him whether he knew where it was.
Martin was also found guilty of unlawful wounding against Mr Varden but cleared of a charge of attempted murder.
He was also sentenced to three and a half years for wounding which he will serve concurrently.
Senior investigating officer Warren Hines from Force CID said: "It is clear that Sean Varden and Darren Parker did not go looking for trouble following the burglary.
"They were not armed and had brought their wives and young children to the address.
"Martin armed himself with a knife and as a result one man lost his life and another man was left seriously injured.
"This was a senseless killing of a man who had everything to live for. Martin claimed he had acted in self-defence which was clearly not the case. Thankfully the jury saw through this."
