Pierre Thomas & boy, 16, jailed for Sekou Doucoure murder in Birmingham - but Ishmael Farquharson still wanted

Two teenage killers have been jailed for nine years each for the manslaughter of 16 year-old Sekou Doucoure in Birmingham last year.

Pierre Thomas, 18, of Birmingham, and a 16-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons were sentenced today (Friday, March 10) at Coventry Crown Court for their part in the death of Sekou.

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 16-year-old youth.

During a confrontation, Thomas fired a blank gun twice at Sekou who fled the scene on Villa Street. 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 on Burbery Street in Lozells.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said that 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 16-year-old youth was sentenced to nine years detention with three years concurrent (same offences) less 234 days.

What has the CPS said about the prosecution?

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.”

What have West Midlands Police said about the investigation?

West Midlands Police said it is continuing to appeal for information on the whereabouts of a 31-year-old man who we believe was involved in Sekou’s murder. Independent charity Crimestoppers are offering a reward of £10,000 for information that leads to the arrest of Ishmael Farquharson.

On the tragic day officers said that Sekou hid for around 20 minutes before he made his way to Burbury Street, where the man on the bike and now on foot caught up with him. Both were armed with knives and a scuffle ensued ending on a petrol station forecourt where Sekou received a fatal stab wound to his chest.

Armed police officers had responded to the shots fired in Villa Street and were already searching the area when they were flagged down by members of the public. They raced to the garage forecourt and immediately started CPR, but sadly Sekou could not be saved.

Officers said that a meticulous investigation began involving viewing hours of CCTV to plot the movements of the suspects. Warrants were conducted at the homes of Thomas and the 16-year-old, and the CCTV helped to plot their movements on the day Sekou was killed.

Detective Inspector Laura Harrison, from WMP homicide unit, sad: “Sadly Sekou has become another statistic of too many young boys killed as a result of gang affiliation. It’s heart-breaking to see young lives to be cut short in such a brutal way.

“I cannot begin to imagine the grief his family still feel and I hope the convictions today give them some comfort. But we will not rest until we have found others who we know were involved in Sekou’s death and I appeal to anyone with any information to come forward.”

What have Sekou’s family said about the sentence?

Today Sekou’s family said: “Sekou was a 16-year-old boy who loved his family and loved football. He gave a different perspective on life and inspired people around him to be the best they can be and to follow whatever religion they wanted.

“He was quite talented in many regards when it came to his academics and especially when it came to sports and football. Despite his shortcomings everybody that was close to him can vouch for the fact that he would help anyone that was around him despite the severity of the problem and the extent to which it could affect him negatively.

“Words cannot truly express what kind of person he was. He was a good boy and son who would do anything for anyone. He is sorely missed by all the family particularly his sisters, brother and Mom.”

What is West Midlands Police is doing to combat gang culture?

WMP said the force works tirelessly to steer young people away from gang culture and violence with weapons. It explained that schools, teachers, parents and carers all have a part to play.

A spokesperson said: “Our schools’ liaison officers and local neighbourhood officers will be ensuring pupil welfare is maintained and any necessary support for those affected is available. This includes mentoring for youngsters, extra activities supported by officers and workshops around the consequences of knife crime.

“There will also be extra reassurance patrols around schools, public open spaces and parks. And we will continue to work with partners from youth service providers and community forums to ensure that we maximise opportunities to refer youngsters who need additional support.

“If you have concerns or just need some extra support during this time, please get in touch with your local policing team.”