Shock twist in Yousef Makki murder probe as second inquest rules unlawful killing
Second inquest overturns original verdict
A second inquest has rocked the 2019 fatal stabbing case of schoolboy Yousef Makki, declaring his death an unlawful killing—directly reversing the initial ruling that ruled it out. Joshua Molnar, the friend accused of the stabbing, had previously been cleared of murder and manslaughter after claiming self-defence in court.
Yousef stabbed in the heart in Hale Barns
Yousef, just 16, died on March 2, 2019, after Molnar stabbed him in the heart in Hale Barns near Manchester. The first inquest back in November 2021 said there wasn’t enough evidence to call it unlawful killing or accidental death.
Family fight leads to new inquest and fresh findings
Not satisfied with the first verdict, Yousef’s family from Burnage, Manchester, fought back and forced a judicial review in 2022. They argued vital evidence about the unlawful nature of the stabbing was overlooked. The High Court agreed, ordering a fresh inquest.
Coroner Geraint Williams slammed Molnar’s story of self-defence during the second hearing at Stockport Coroner’s Court. He ruled Molnar’s actions amounted to manslaughter, confirming Yousef was unarmed—debunking Molnar’s claims entirely.
The courtroom was heavy with emotion as Yousef’s sister Jade broke down in tears. Family lawyers described their grueling battle for justice, adding: “Nothing will bring Yousef back.”
Police and prosecutors to re-examine case after new verdict
Greater Manchester Police and the Crown Prosecution Service are now expected to review the case due to the unlawful killing finding. The second inquest called into question inconsistencies in Molnar’s witness testimony. Another youth present, Adam Chowdhary, admitted he did not see what happened.
Previously, Molnar and Chowdhary were painted as privileged Cheshire teens involved in risky knife-carrying behaviour. Molnar, now 22, is serving time for knife possession and perverting the course of justice. Chowdhary, 21, although cleared of perverting justice, got a four-month detention for carrying a knife in public.
This shocking new development could finally rewrite the tragic story of Yousef Makki’s untimely death.
Originally published by UKNIP.