Teenager stabbed boy to death over Facebook row

Victim’s family described him as a ‘young man with his whole life ahead of him’

Smith, who was 16 at the time, was arrested by police four days after the attack (Northamptonshire Police)

A teenager has been jailed for more than nine years after stabbing a 17-year-old boy to death following a row on Facebook.

Amari Smith, 18, stabbed Louis-Ryan Menezes in the chest on the streets of Northampton in May last year, piercing his heart in the attack.

The court was told Menezes had been killed with a “hunting style knife” in a sudden assault that was prompted by “some things said over Facebook”. He died in Northampton General Hospital soon after.

Smith, who was 16 at the time, was arrested by police four days later. Last month he was cleared of murder, however jurors dismissed Smith’s claim that he had acted in self-defence and found him guilty of manslaughter.

Handing down her verdict, Judge Adrienne Lucking told the teenager: "There was no lawful reason for you to carry a knife that day and there is no excuse.

"You acted in the mistaken belief you were acting in self-defence.

"Not only did you deny the offence but you showed no remorse during the trial.”

Witnesses described the two teenagers yelling “what is it then, what is it then” according to Prosecutor John Lloyd-Jones QC, before Smith pulled out the weapon.

The prosecutor added “With that knife, this defendant stabbed Louis straight in the chest."

The victim’s family described him as “a young man with his whole life ahead of him” in a statement to the court.

"He was a treasured, caring son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin whose life was cruelly cut short,” they added. “He is so sadly missed by all his family and friends.

"No parent or family should have to go through losing a child in such a horrific way.

"Louis' death has left a huge gap in our lives and the pain of losing him is so great it will never go away."

Following the verdict, Detective Inspector Stuart Hitchon, of Northamptonshire Police said: "I hope this case serves as a stark warning to young people everywhere - carrying a knife does not protect you - it can ruin your life forever

Additional reporting by SWNS.