A knifeman faces a life sentence after being found guilty of the murder of an 'amazing' dad who was stabbed to death in Ancoats. Neri Morse, 24, was knifed to the heart during an inexplicable outbreak of violence on the streets.
Prosecutors said Mr Morse was murdered by 24-year-old Rushaun Brown in retaliation over an earlier incident in a shop. At the time of his death, Mr Morse's son Nakari was just four-months-old.
Mr Morse was described as 'the most amazing and loving father'. He was stabbed to the chest by Brown on Carruthers Street at about 6.30pm on April 20.
Brown was unanimously convicted of murder following a trial at Manchester Crown Court. Two other men were cleared of murder after being charged under joint enterprise laws. Meshia Newby, 24, was instead found guilty of manslaughter, while Jermaine Leahong, 23, was cleared of manslaughter.
Manchester Crown Court heard that the killing was carried out in retaliation for a 'failed attack' by Neri Morse and his 22-year-old nephew Driece Morse. Brown, Newby and Leahong had been at Zafs GoLocal store on Butler Street when the Morses burst into the shop.
Driece Morse was wearing a balaclava and was armed with a knife, the court heard. Brown claimed that the pair issued 'death threats' as a confrontation broke out in the shop.
The trio left the store and ran away, pursued by the Morses. They later made it back to the VW Golf which they had earlier arrived in and drove away from the scene, then pursuing the Morses who were both in a Seat Leon.
As the two cars became stuck in traffic on Carruthers Street, Brown and Newby got out of the Golf and went to attack them. Dashcam footage showed Brown standing over Neri Morse, who was behind the wheel of the car, delivering 'two or three stabbing motions'.
One connected and penetrated his heart, causing massive haemorrhaging which proved fatal. Newby stabbed Driece Morse, who was sitting in the passenger seat. Driece Morse was also stabbed in the knife fight.
As Leahong drove away in the Golf, the car hit Neri Morse. He was given first aid at the scene but died later that evening.
No explanation was given for the source of the apparent dispute between the three defendants and the Morses. Leahong said he knew Driece Morse as they had attended the same school, but told jurors he didn't know Neri Morse.
Brown, Newby, Leahong, were also jointly charged the wounding of Driece Morse with intent. Brown and Leahong were found not guilty on that count. Newby was also found not guilty and instead convicted of the less serious charge of unlawful wounding.
Newby was found guilty of possessing an offensive weapon, a knife. Brown had already admitted that charge, while Leahong was found not guilty of that offence.
Brown, of Higher Ardwick, Ardwick, and Newby, of Brydon Avenue, Ardwick, will be sentenced later this month. Leahong, of Lagos Close, Hulme, was discharged from the dock after being found not guilty on all counts.
Neri Morse's family paid tribute to him following his death. The statement read: "Our family cannot describe what losing our Neri has done to us. Only God will know how much this is breaking our hearts.
"Our brother was the baby of the family and definitely Mum’s favourite. He is loved by his partner, his brother and sister, his niece and nephew, his uncle, cousins and his nan.
"He was the most amazing and loving father to his four-month-old son Nakari and showed him the most amount of love in the short time they had together. We will always be immensely proud of how he took to daddy duties.
"We as a family are overwhelmed and truly humbled by the sheer volume of messages and support from the community expressing their love and support. It just emphasises how truly loved Neri was.
"It's going to take our family quite some time to come to terms with losing Neri so suddenly and in such horrific circumstances - if we ever do. We were blessed with 24 years of you - all we have left are the videos, pictures and memories. We love you forever, we are your keepers and we are so sorry we were not there to protect you.
"Sleep easy Baby Brother."
Sign up to our courts newsletter to get the latest updates to your inbox
READ NEXT:
- This is Awaab - the little boy who died after being exposed to damp and mould in his home
-
Dad of teen, 19, who died after Snake Pass crash left furious at emergency services
-
They deserved better, Greater Manchester deserves better, it must not happen again
-
Town centre chaos as 'fabulous' drivers get stuck in new one-way system and mount kerb
