Handsworth Wood murder: family and friends pay tribute to Jamie Benbow stabbed to death in Birmingham

Tributes have been paid to a popular 29-year-old father who was stabbed to death outside his home in Handsworth. The victim, named as roofer Jamie Benbow, was fatally knifed on Washington Drive, in Handsworth Wood on Friday (21 October).

Emergency services battled to save Mr Benbow but he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene just after 11pm on Friday. A police manhunt has been launched for the killer while forensic examinations and door-to-door enquiries are carried out.

Two men, aged 20 and 18, were arrested on suspicion of murder and a 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. They remain in custody.

Tributes at the scene

Floral tributes have since been left at the scene on the quiet residential cul-de-sac where it is understood Mr Benbow lived. One message at the scene read: “I’m sorry to hear what’s happened to you.

“You are one of the nicest lads I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. I hope justice is served for whoever took you away from so many people that loved you. My condolences to your whole family, I’m thinking of them all at this sad time. You will never be forgotten, fly high my friend.”

His niece also left a tribute writing: “I will miss you a lot uncle Jamie. Remember you always.” Another note read: “Jay, I hope you see this. I love you so much, it still doesn’t feel right.Just know you’re always in my heart.” Another mourner penned “fly high brother” on a piece of paper alongside a bouquet of flowers and a case of Desperado beer.

Other tributes flooded in on social media with one woman writing: “Rip Jamie Benbow you was such a lovely lad miss you” Another put: “Such a beautiful lad. heart of gold, very good father to his son. Always polite and caring.”

One person added: “Rest Easy Jamie Benbow I can’t believe you’ve been took… what a horrible world we live in, sending love to all his family at this hard time.” Somebody else said: “Cruel cruel world. Rest in paradise brother, I’ll look after the girls for you. My condolences to the family.”

What has West Midlands Police said?

A cordin remains in place on Monday morning (24 October), and the scene is currently being held for forensic examination. West Midlands Police said extra officers will be in the area on patrol over the next few days while house to house enquiries are carried out.

Detective Inspector Jim Mahon, from the force’s homicide unit, said: “We are in the very early stages of our enquiry and we are asking anyone with information who hasn’t already spoken to us to come forward. The victim’s family have been informed and we have specialist family liaison officers with them after hearing just devastating news.”

Anyone with information has been urged to contact police via Live Chat on the West Midlands Police website or by calling 101 quoting log 4527 of 21/10.

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