Brothers guilty of killing Wolverhampton dad on Christmas Day
Father-of-two was stabbed on Christmas Day for breaking dealers’ “unwritten rule”
Two brothers have been found guilty of killing a Wolverhampton father after two violent confrontations over a slight on Christmas Day.
Trey Johnson, aged 30, was found fatally stabbed after being chased on foot by brothers Richard Beckles, aged 19, and Tiego Beckles, aged 21, along Burcot Avenue, Eastfields, at about 3.30am on December 25. Despite the efforts of the defendants’ mother, a nurse, and ambulance paramedics he died at the scene near the Beckles’ family home.
On Monday afternoon the jury found drug dealer Richard Beckles guilty of murder by a majority verdict of Mr Johnson, another dealer, whom the brothers claimed had sold drugs to their mother.
Tiego Beckles was found not guilty of murder, but guilty of manslaughter. Both were found guilty of wounding the victim in relation to an altercation just 30 minutes earlier when Mr John suffered an eye injury in a fight with the pair.
Richard Beckles was also found guilty of possession of a knife. Tiego Beckles had previously pleaded guilty to possession of a baseball bat.
Both have been on trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court charged with the murder of Mr Johnson, nicknamed Gaza, and wounding with intent to cause him serious harm .
The panel deliberated for nine hours and 27 minutes before delivering the verdict.
The jury was told that the brothers had been annoyed over rumours that Mr Johnson sold drugs to their mother. They saw the victim at city centre nightspot De Fusion in Exchange Street at about 3am and confronted him over the allegations. Angry words were exchanged in the car park before the pair beat him up.
The defendants told the jury in their evidence that Mr Johnson had threatened to “light up their home” during the incident and that he had a reputation for violence hence his nickname Gaza.
Richard Beckles said he broke an “unwritten rule” among street dealers - never to sell drugs to rivals’ relatives.
Minutes after the first fight the parties arrived separately in Burcot Avenue after the defendants learned in a phone call that someone had tried to get into their family home. They found Mr Johnson in his car near their address and the second confrontation occurred.
The court heard that Richard Beckles, who had a knife used it to smashed the driver’s window. Mr Johnson got out and an argument ensued before he was chased along the street towards the junction of Old Heath Road. Tiego Beckles, tried to talk his brother out of further confrontation, and went into the house to get a baseball bat before following him and Mr Johnson.
By the time Tiego Beckles got to them the victim had suffered a single stab wound to the chest. Mr Johnson and Richard Beckles were captured on CCTV returning up the street with the 19-year-old assisting him. Their mother Janine by this time came outside to see what the commotion was about. She phoned 999 to report the incident.
Mr Johnson collapsed to the ground and despite being treated extensively by paramedics and a trauma doctor he died at the scene shortly afterwards due to internal bleeding. The police found a small quantity of cocaine, £2,400 cash and a phone containing texts which were consistent with drug dealing in his car.
It was the prosecution’s case that the brothers broke the victim’s orbit of the eye during the fight outside when they kicked and stamped on him in Exchange Street. In a short space of time both defendants were armed and gave chase in Eastfields and that Richard Beckles had a long knife while Tiego Beckles had a baseball bat. And that during the pursuit the victim was stabbed.
Following his death Mr Johnson’s family stated: "Trey was a loving sibling, loving father, a loving partner and caring soul and someone who would do anything for anyone. His smile, his love and his energy are infectious and would brighten up the room when he walks into it.
"He was a loving father of two. He was a good man, a good son, who did everything and more for his family. He will be missed greatly by his family and everyone who knew him."
Richard Beckles, of Stafford Street, Willenhall, and Tiego Beckles denied murdering and wounding Mr Johnson. Richard Beckles also denied possessing a knife.
Tiego Beckles, of Broad Gauge Way, Wolverhampton, pleaded guilty to possessing a baseball bat ahead of the trial. They claimed they were scared of Mr Johnson and what he might do and were protecting themselves. Both will be sentenced for their crimes on 28 September.
DI Michelle Cordell, from West Midlands Police’s Homicide Unit, said: “The Beckles brothers subjected Trey Johnson to a sustained and brutal attack outside the De Fusion bar in the early hours of Christmas Day.
“The dispute continued in Burcot Avenue and it is clear that the brothers were intent on further conflict and violence.
“Both armed themselves with weapons and both gave chase towards an already injured Trey.
“Richard Beckles stabbed Trey with considerable force causing his fatal injury. When you choose to carry and use a knife, it is entirely foreseeable that serious injury is likely to be caused and tragically in this case, it led to Trey’s death.
“After killing him, they fled the scene and went on the run for several days before handing themselves in following a public appeal.
“Their actions were cowardly and heartless. My thoughts remain with Trey’s family and loved ones at what continues to be an unimaginably difficult time.
“Sadly, this case highlights the devastating consequences of knife crime. Before carrying a knife, I appeal for you to stop and think about what could happen and ask yourself, is it worth it?”