THREE teenagers have been convicted over the murder of Reuben Higgins in Marston Green.
Abdurrahman Summers, 18, and two 15-year-old boys – who cannot be named for legal reasons – were convicted at Birmingham Crown Court.
The court heard how in October the three defendants attacked 17-year-old Reuben in Station Road, stabbing him in the leg, arm and chest.
Reuben was near the Esso petrol station in Marston Green with friends when they were approached by a group of four teenagers.
Soon after, Reuben was targeted by the three defendants and the other man who reached for their waistbands.
A knife was brandished causing Reuben and his friends to flee in different directions.
Reuben was chased to a nearby shop where he made a desperate attempt to block the door with his body. He shouted to the shopkeeper that the group were trying to kill him.
He was overpowered and Reuben’s attackers forced entry to the shop. Reuben was repeatedly stabbed in an attack that lasted around ten seconds.
Having seriously injured Reuben, the group fled. One of the 15-year-old boys returned to the shop for a mobile phone he had lost during the attack before he fled the area on a bus.
Despite the efforts of passers-by, Reuben’s injuries were fatal and he died at the scene.
Summers, and the two 15-year-old boys were arrested in November last year and were later charged with murder.
The fourth suspect fled the country, but is still wanted by officers in connection with Reuben’s death.
The three who have been convicted will be sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court in August.
Reuben’s family paid tribute to their son, saying: “No sentence is going to provide justice for the evil that was committed against Reuben.
“Reuben was a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin, who will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Life will never be the same without him.
“We would like to thank the jury, the prosecution and the homicide team from West Midlands Police for all their efforts and work in bringing justice for Reuben.”
Detective Inspector Michelle Cordell, who led the homicide investigation, said: “This was a cowardly and sickening attack on a young defenceless boy who was significantly outnumbered.
“Their callous actions that day ended Reuben’s life in a matter of seconds.
“Their senseless behaviour has had a devastating and lifelong impact on Reuben’s family, friends and loved ones and my thought remain with them.
“I hope that today’s verdicts offer some comfort, as they continue to grieve and as they try to rebuild their lives.
“The hunt for the fourth offender is on-going, and we will do everything possible to find him and bring him to justice.”
