Two teenagers jailed for murder of 16-year-old boy 

Two teenagers have been jailed for the murder of 16-year-old Sekou Doucoure who was fatally stabbed during a violent confrontation.

Pierre Thomas, 18, of Birmingham, and a 17-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons were sentenced today (10 March 2023) at Coventry Crown Court for their part in the death of Sekou Doucoure. Both teenagers had been convicted following a trial on 15 February 2023 of manslaughter and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear.

On 12 July 2022, Sekou Doucoure had been with friends that afternoon before later encountering Pierre Thomas and the 17-year-old youth. During a confrontation, Thomas fired a blank gun twice at Sekou who fled the scene. He then pursued Sekou through the surrounding streets along with the youth, before another man found Sekou in Nursery Road, Hockley, and approached Sekou who was armed with his own knife. The two engaged in a fight resulting in Sekou being fatally stabbed in the chest.

Several other young men arrived as the fight finished, including Pierre Thomas and the youth. Two of them were carrying items that appeared to be handguns, which they displayed to cover their escape. The group fled the scene as swiftly as they had arrived, leaving Sekou lying helplessly on the ground.

Police investigation led the police to name the suspect Ishmael Farquharson as being involved in Sekou’s murder. Though identified, Farquharson remains at large.

Pierre Thomas was sentenced to nine years for manslaughter with three years concurrent for the imitation firearm offence less 224 days.

The 17-year-old youth was sentenced to nine years detention with three years concurrent (same offences) less 234 days.

Douglas Marshall of the CPS said: “Sekou Doucoure’s death is a tragic reminder of the costs of street violence and possession of weapons. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. The police continue to work tirelessly to bring Ishmael Farquharson to justice, and we urge anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation.”