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A 16-year-old boy has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for killing his school friend, Pharell Garcia, in a park in Hackney, east London.
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was convicted of manslaughter following a trial at the Old Bailey, having stabbed 15-year-old Pharell in the heart on 23 July 2024. The court heard how the boy then chased Pharell as he fled, leaving him to collapse and die without offering help.
On Friday, 20 June, the court labelled the defendant a dangerous offender, ordering him to serve a minimum of seven years before being eligible for parole.
The Attack
The two boys, once friends, had arranged to meet at Stellman Close, E5, shortly before the fatal stabbing. A mutual friend testified the attacker had expressed his intention to confront Pharell over rumours being spread.
The trial heard that the youth brought a multi-tool knife to the park. Despite claiming he had taken the weapon from Pharell in self-defence, CCTV and forensic evidence contradicted this. He stabbed Pharell once in the chest and then pursued him across the park.
Pharell collapsed and died at the scene despite the efforts of emergency responders.
Investigation and Evidence
The Met Police investigation uncovered extensive digital and forensic evidence:
- CCTV footage captured the entire incident, including the chase and disposal of the weapon.
- The recovered multi-tool was linked to both the victim and the defendant through DNA.
- The defendant’s phone contained 43 images and videos of him playing with knives just days before the attack.
- Snapchat messages and texts, including one to his mother asking her to remove items from their home and a plea to “go to Portugal”, further undermined his defence.
He was arrested the day after the killing and charged on 25 July 2024.
Family and Police Reaction
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen, who led the investigation, said:
“When the defendant became in possession of that weapon, he had a choice. He could have walked away… instead, he chose to stab Pharell and left him to die.”
Detective Superintendent Brittany Clarke added:
“While overall violence is falling in Hackney, this case is a harrowing reminder of the devastating impact of knife crime. We continue working with community partners to steer young people away from violence.”
Community Warning and Appeal
Police are urging parents, schools, and youth leaders to have honest conversations with young people about the dangers of carrying weapons.
Anyone affected by youth violence or seeking support can contact services via the London Knife Crime Strategy or visit www.knifefree.co.uk.
Pharell Garcia’s death is one of a growing number of youth homicides that continue to devastate London communities, despite targeted interventions by police and local authorities.
