TEENAGERS have been jailed for their part in the murder of Reuben Higgins in Marston Green.
The 17-year-old was fatally stabbed inside a Station Road shop in October.
Now, three of his attackers have been jailed for more than 50 years.
On the night of 29 October, Reuben and his friends were confronted by another group.
Following this chance encounter, the group chased Reuben, who tried to hide inside a shop.
Reuben’s attackers forced their way inside where they launched an unprovoked assault, stabbing him a number of times.
Sadly, Reuben’s injuries were too severe, and he died at the scene.
Following murder, the group, which included 19-year-old Abdurrahman Summers, split up and left the area on foot and by bus.
Officers from the homicide unit began their investigation and were able to identify Summers, as well as two other teenagers, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
Summers was convicted earlier this year.
He was jailed for life with a minimum of 19 years at Birmingham Crown Court, while the other two teenagers received sentences of 15 and 17 years youth detention respectively.
A fourth suspect has been identified, but fled the country and remains wanted in connection with Reuben’s murder.
Detective Inspector Michelle Cordell, who led the investigation, said: “This was a cowardly and sickening attack on a defenceless young 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 thoughts remain with them.
“I hope that today’s sentences offer some comfort to them, as they continue to grieve his loss”.
“The hunt for the fourth offender is on-going, and we will do everything possible to find him and bring him to justice.”
