Killers of teen boy from Stourbridge jailed for life

Dray Simmonds, Joshua Edgington, and two 16-year-olds were found guilty of murdering Joseph Riches last July.

Author: Molly HookingsPublished 15th Feb 2024

Two men and two teenagers - who were all teenagers at the time of attack - have been sentenced to life in jail for killing Joseph Riches, 16, in Stourbridge.

Police said Joseph, from Bartley Green, and his friends became intent on causing trouble with another group of teens on 15 July 2023.

He attacked the group with a screwdriver before attempting to flee in a friend's car. He wasn't able to get away and was chased down High Street to Coventry Street.

Dray Simmonds, 20, Joshua Edgington, 20, and two 16-year-olds were found guilty of stabbing Joseph with a machete earlier this week.

Joe's mum, Sarah, described him as an "amazing young man". She said: "He was kind, funny, caring, loyal and compassionate.

“His murder has left a huge hole in the lives of his family and friends and he will be forever loved and missed by us all. I will never forgive and never forget.”

At the time of conviction, Detective Chief Inspector Laura Harrison said: “This is another young life lost to knife crime.

“Only those involved will know the reason for the attack, but no doubt it was not worth the price of a life."

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