Two teens convicted over stabbing of seventeen-year-old in Wolverhampton

Two teenagers have been convicted of killing 17-year-old Harleigh Hepworth in a park in Wolverhampton.

Harleigh, who lived in Rugeley, had been visiting the city and was planning to meet his two eventual killers with his friend.

They were meeting at West Park, in Park Road West on March 7 2024.

They were confronted by the pair and, after a brief exchange, Harleigh was stabbed to death by a 17-year-old who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Harleigh received a single stab wound to the chest and ran. His friend was being held back by the other boy, Jovarn Esterine, they had gone to meet.

Esterine held a knife to the friend’s chest, threatening to kill him unless he handed the passcode to his phone which was then stolen.

Harleigh was later found bleeding in the park, where a passer-by called emergency services.

Unfortunately, he died from his injuries.

Today, following a six-week trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court, the 17-year-old boy was found guilty of murder and robbery.

Esterine who was seventeen at the time, was found not-guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter and robbery.

The family of Harleigh paid tribute to him, saying: “On the 7th March, two weeks after his 17th Birthday, Harleigh had his short life ended in an instant through a moment of mindless aggression.

“Our family, his girlfriend and close friends will no longer be able to enjoy seeing him grow, mature and enjoy life. He had positive plans for his future.

"Harleigh had a great sense of humour, he was funny, and he was polite. We will miss him massively, but we will always remember his cheekiness, his infectious smile and the fun times we had together.

“Harleigh’s is another young life lost before they had the chance to know what life is about," they said.

Detective Inspector Ade George, who led the investigation by the Homicide Unit, said: “Throughout this case our thoughts have always been with Harleigh's family who have been devastated by his death.

“We hope that the conviction will provide a sense of justice for the unjust killing of Harleigh," they said.

The pair will be sentenced at a later date.