Family of 14-year-old Dea-John Reid say "thank you" ahead of funeral
The funeral of the teenager who was fatally stabbed in Kingstanding will take place today
Last updated 14th Jul 2021
Dea-John Reid was murdered on College Road in Kingstanding, Birmingham on 31st May, five people have been charged over it. His mum, Joan Morris, said "I sent him out to play football but he didn't come home." A minute's silence will be held at 11am before a private service this morning.
Dea-John's friends and family gathered at the scene before the funeral to pay their respects and also thank the community for their support. Speaking to us, Bishop Desmond Jaddoo said;
"We just want to thank the people here in College Road because the fact that this the tributes has remained here intact it tells you of the outpouring of love that has gone out and the support for Joan and the rest of the family"
His mother, Joan Morris, was there to lay fresh flowers at the display for her son whose life was cut short. She told us;
"I don't really know how I get through this...I miss Dea-John so much. To know he's gone now is very hard".
Joan exclusively told us that she would support calls for a new youth centre in Birmingham. It's something campaigners have told us they're working even harder to do following the deaths of teenagers in the city this year, including Dea-John's.
People who want to come out and pay their respects are being told to stick to social distancing rules, otherwise the funeral can be watched via a livestream.