Two teens were sentenced after Harleigh Hepworth was fatally stabbed in Wolverhampton’s West Park last year
Wolverhampton: Two teenagers were sentenced for the stabbing death of Harleigh Hepworth. The 17-year-old was attacked in West Park last year. He was with a friend when they met 18-year-old Jovarn Esterine and another unnamed teen.
Harleigh traveled from Rugeley to Wolverhampton on March 7. He and his friend walked through West Park when they were confronted by the two teens. The meeting had a hidden agenda.
After a short exchange, Harleigh was stabbed and ran away. His friend was held back by Esterine, preventing him from helping during the attack.
Esterine threatened Harleigh’s friend with a knife, demanding his phone passcode. The phone was stolen. Esterine, who turned 18 after the incident, and the other teen fled, tossing one stolen phone into a drain.
Harleigh was later found bleeding in the park. His friend called for help. A passerby assisted and called 999, but sadly, Harleigh died from his injuries.
Two days later, police arrested the unnamed 17-year-old. Esterine was arrested on March 10 at his home. Both denied murder and refused to answer police questions.
After a six-week trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court, the unnamed teen was found guilty of murder and robbery. Esterine was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter and robbery.
They were sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on January 28. Det Insp Ade George, who led the investigation, expressed sympathy for Harleigh’s family, hoping the sentence brings them some peace.
