A £50,000 reward is being offered in the hunt for the killer of a teenager who was stabbed to death in Stretford. Kennie Carter, 16, died in hospital after being knifed in the chest on Saturday, January 22, 2022.
Twelve teenagers, aged 13 to 18, have so far been arrested in connection with Kennie's murder, but none have been charged. As the 12 month anniversary of Kennie's death approaches Greater Manchester Police are now offering a huge reward of up to £50,000 for information that leads to the conviction of those responsible for his murder
At a press conference held at Stretford police station, about a mile away from where the incident took place, on Friday morning (January 20), GMP said they are making progress on their investigation but need the 'added pieces to the jigsaw' to get justice.
READ MORE: Yousef Makki’s family WIN appeal for new inquest into stabbed teenager’s death
Det Chief Insp Alicia Smith, from GMP's Major Investigation Team, said: "Our investigation is ongoing and GMP are now offering a £50,000 reward to anyone with key information which leads to the charge and conviction of those responsible for Kennie’s murder.
"The thoughts of everyone in the investigation team remain with Kennie’s loved ones at this time. They have lived though one year without Kennie and are desperate for answers and I hope you will think of them today.
"This is a long and meticulous investigation, through which we have spoken to over 100 people, reviewed over 100 hours of CCTV and carried out dozens of warrants. We have also arrested all of the people that we wanted to speak to in connection with this incident.
"I believe we are close to getting justice for Kennie and I am confident that there is someone out there who holds key information about this case who has not yet made themselves known to us. Please don’t assume that we already know the information you hold.
"What you know could be the last piece that we need. I understand you might be scared but I would like to stress that murder investigations are never closed.
"We will never stop seeking the truth and we will not stop until Kennie's killer is safely behind bars. Please do the right thing – clear your conscience, come forwards and tell us what you know.
"I would like to thank those members of the public who have already come forwards and shared information."
An inquest opening in August heard Kennie suffered a single stab wound to the chest as he walked home on Thirlmere Avenue. A detective told the hearing the fatal attack appeared 'to have followed a dispute between two groups', and outlined three confrontations that had taken place in the hours before the murder.
Speaking in July on what would have been Kennie's 17th birthday, his mum Joan Dixon said: "I know he's not a baby but to me he's a baby, he's my youngest of four. I've got Kennie on my mind 24-7, right now while I'm talking to you Kennie's in my head, while I'm asleep Kennie's in my head, when I wake up Kennie's in my head.
"Every day is the same thing, we'll sit there, and I'm sat on the edge of my chair every day, and it's as if I'm waiting for something every day - to be told there's been a breakthrough or something. I still even think he's gonna walk through the door and it's all been just a real vile trick that's been played."
"Somebody's got to do the right thing," she added as she urged anyone with information that may help detectives to come forward.
DCI Smith added earlier today: "There’s been quite a few hypotheses around what happened on the night. We do know that on the night that Kennie was walking home away from an incident on his own because he thought it was safe to do so. Sadly, it was when he was on his own walking away from where he thought the trouble was that he was murdered.
"Kennie’s death has left an unimaginable pain and heartache to a very, very loving family. Please think of Kennie’s family today, they are desperate for answers and deserve to know what happened and why."
Police said they are not looking for anyone else involved in the incident at this moment in time but are keeping an 'open mind' in order to investigate 'every possible opportunity'.
Sgt Marc Foster, of GMP Stretford, said: "The local community remain devastated by the death of Kennie Carter. We are continuing to support the family and are working closely with the community, providing high visibility patrols in the area.
"Our community has come together united against knife crime, and we will continue to support them and the investigation team to secure justice for Kennie. I would like to thank members of the public who have already provided us with key information.
"However, I would now like to address those who have not yet come forward. There are people out there who know what happened that evening. Please check your conscience and do the right thing.
"It was a cowardly attack on a young teenager with his whole life in front of him. The investigation is live and we are responding to any new information given.
"Please don’t assume we already know the information you hold. Tell us again anyway, because it might be the key to securing a charge and conviction for those responsible."
Anyone can contact us with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 9908 or 101 quoting incident 2529 of January 22, 2022. Any footage or images from the night should be submitted here.
READ NEXT:
