Teen who murdered boy in moped row jailed for life

Kamari Johnson was stabbed near his home after a row over a moped

A teenager has been jailed for at least 20 years for fatally stabbing a 16-year-old boy with a 30cm (12in) machete in a row over a stolen moped in west London.

The victim, Kamari Johnson, was found injured after police were called to Bourne Avenue, Hayes, at about 13:30 BST on 24 May 2024, and died at the scene.

In January, a 17-year-old was found guilty at the Old Bailey of Kamari's murder and carrying a knife, following a trial.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been detained for life with a minimum term of 20 years.

Stabbed through the chest

The court had previously heard how the pair had been in contact over Snapchat, as the defendant had hoped to buy a moped from Kamari.

Prosecutor Joel Smith KC had said the two "haggled" over a price, with Kamari wanting £180 for it.

When they met to complete the sale, Kamari reneged on their agreement, took the defendant's cash and drove away, the court heard.

Mr Smith said: "In short, he took the money and ran."

The prosecutor said the defendant was left feeling "pretty foolish, pretty embarrassed and, no doubt, pretty angry".

Minutes after the meeting, the defendant walked to Kamari's house to confront him, intent on getting the bike, the court heard.

Mr Smith had said: "He stabbed him once through his chest and into his heart, and although Mr Johnson managed to flee on the moped, he collapsed minutes later and died on the street."

In police interviews, the defendant declined to answer questions but claimed in a prepared statement that he "acted in self-defence at all times".