Four men have been sentenced to life in prison for the fatal shooting and stabbing of a 17-year-old boy in Tottenham. The incident occurred in 2023, resulting in the death of Tyler McDermott and the attempted murder of another man.
Leo Reid, Rhys Antwi, Kalam Bagge, and Tyrese Barnett were all found guilty and received a total of 79 years in prison at the Old Bailey. Reid and Antwi were also convicted of possession of an offensive weapon, while Barnett was found guilty of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and attempted murder.
During the trial, it was revealed that tensions escalated after one of the defendants was filmed inside a music recording studio, leading to a confrontation outside the studio that ended in Tyler’s tragic death. The jury heard that Tyler and his friend were attacked by a group of men, resulting in Tyler being shot and then stabbed.
Police launched a murder investigation after Tyler was found injured on Norman Road and later died in the hospital. The post-mortem examination confirmed that he died from a gunshot wound. Barnett was identified as the shooter, while Reid was responsible for striking Tyler with a machete after he was already injured.
CCTV footage from the recording studio showed Antwi arming himself with a sword before the attack, while Bagge was seen with a knife. Detective Inspector Devan Taylor expressed condolences to Tyler’s family and emphasized the senseless nature of the crime. He hoped that the sentences handed down to the perpetrators would bring some closure to the family and friends of the victim.
The trial also acquitted two other men who were initially charged with Tyler’s murder. The case highlighted the devastating impact of violence and the importance of seeking justice for innocent lives lost. The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the consequences of resorting to violence and the need for accountability in our communities.
