Teenagers jailed for Marston Green vape shop stab murder

Three teenagers have been given life sentences for the murder of a 17-year-old boy who was stabbed after trying to barricade himself inside a shop to escape his attackers.

Abdurrahman Summers, 19, and two 16-year-old boys were convicted in May over the death of Reuben Higgins in Marston Green, Solihull, on 29 October last year.

Reuben was stabbed inside Vape Minimarket on Station Road where he had attempted to block the door, shouting pursuers were trying to kill him.

At Birmingham Crown Court on Monday, Summers was jailed for life, and told he would serve at least 19 years in prison. The 16-year-olds, who cannot be named due to their age, were told they would be detained for 17 and 15 years.

Summers, of Yardley, Birmingham, was on licence at the time of the murder, having previously served part of a three-year sentence for six robberies, some involving the use of knives.

Police said the events unfolded last year after Reuben and his friends were approached by a group of four teenagers in Marston Green before a knife was brandished and Reuben was chased towards the store.

When Reuben’s killers gained entry at the shop, a fatal wound was inflicted during an attack that lasted just seconds.

Giving evidence during the trial, a man who was working at the shop on the day of the stabbing described how despite Reuben’s efforts to protect himself, the “very aggressive” attackers burst through the door and set upon him.

Jurors heard that Reuben died after suffering four stab wounds to his leg, arm and chest, inflicted by at least two knives.

Passing sentence on the three defendants, Judge Paul Farrer QC said Reuben was unarmed, did not want trouble and was backing away, trying to avoid confrontation.

“Your barristers tell me that you are remorseful – I see little real evidence of that,” he told them.

The sentencing hearing was told the murder of Reuben had left his mother “heartbroken, lost and lonely”.

Reuben’s father was said to be left with post-traumatic stress disorder and feelings of “uncontrollable darkness”.

After hearing the victim impact statements, Judge Farrer told the killers: “This is the future you have consigned Reuben’s family to.”

Additional reporting by the Press Association.