Three men have been jailed at Manchester Crown Court following a horrific targeted attack and ultimately fatal stabbing in Cheetham Hill in October 2025.
Lee Williams aged 19 Gravenmoor Drive, Manchester, was convicted of murder and two counts of possession of a bladed article. He has been handed a life sentence, with a minimum term of 21 years, in a young offenders’ institution.
Riley McDermott aged 18 of Inghamwood Close, Salford and John Harte aged 19 of Weaste Lane, Salford were convicted of manslaughter and will serve eight and six years respectively in a young offenders’ institution.
Vernard Murray aged 26 was found seriously injured at a property on Cardinal Street, Manchester last October after he had been violently pursued and attacked by a group of men through the Cheetham Hill area. Vernard tragically died in hospital as a result of a stabbing.
A murder investigation was immediately launched, and led to the subsequent arrest and charge of Williams, McDermott and Harte.
The investigation, uncovered CCTV footage showing the victim being chased by two masked men, who were later identified as Williams and McDermott, armed with large knives after his car was blocked and rammed, before overturning.
Despite managing to escape the overturned vehicle and run from the offenders, Vernard suffered serious stab wounds and died later in hospital.
Further enquiries led to officers finding footage which captured Harte telling someone to “burn it, the car”. The BMW which was used by the offenders in the initial attack, was then found burnt two hours later, approximately 0.6 miles from the scene.
Vernard’s family shared powerful statements at court following sentencing, some of which are included below.
His father shared: “Vernard wasn’t just my child—he was my pride, my hope for the future, and a huge part of who I am. To the people responsible, I want you to understand that your actions didn’t just take one life—they have destroyed many. You have taken a son from his father, and nothing will ever repair that.
I will carry this loss for the rest of my life.
Vernard’s mother shared: “Those responsible are given numbers to serve sentences, while I am left with a cemetery plot to visit and a lifetime of grief. I find myself asking where the justice is in this. In many ways, it feels as though I am serving a sentence alongside them, carrying the pain and consequences of their actions every day”
His siblings shared: “Our brother was more than another victim in this case. He was a son, a grandson, a father, a partner, an uncle, and our brother. He was loved, and he is missed every single day.
No sentence can restore what has been taken from our family. The consequences of this murder will remain with us for the rest of our lives.
His partner shared: “Although the court will sentence those responsible today, my son and I will continue serving our own life sentence of grief.
“We will wake up every day knowing that Vernard is never coming home. Our son will grow up with memories instead of a father, and I will spend the rest of my life trying to fill a space that can never be filled”
