Three men have been imprisoned after a targeted attack in Cheetham Hill that resulted in the death of 26-year-old Vernard Murray. The case, heard earlier this year, concluded with sentences handed down to two defendants for manslaughter and one for murder.
Attack followed car being rammed and set alight
On 23 October 2025, Murray was pursued and assaulted at a property on Cardinal Street after the vehicle he was travelling in was blocked, rammed and overturned. Despite fleeing on foot from the wrecked car, he was attacked and later died in hospital from his injuries.
Investigations found that two masked attackers, armed with large knives, chased Murray. The BMW involved in the incident was discovered torched around two hours later, about 0.6 miles from the scene.
Sentences imposed
| Defendant | Conviction | Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Lee Williams (born 11/08/2006) | Murder; two counts of possession of a bladed article | Life in a young offenders' institution; minimum term 21 years |
| Riley McDermott (born 16/03/2008) | Manslaughter | 8 years in a young offenders' institution |
| John Harte (born 08/01/2007) | Manslaughter | 6 years in a young offenders' institution |
Family reactions and court details
In court Murray’s family gave emotional victim impact statements describing the depth of their loss. His father told the court how the killing had taken away not just a son but his hopes for the future.
"Vernard wasn’t just my child – he was my pride, my hope for the future, and a huge part of who I am,"
His mother also spoke of the enduring pain and the sense that the consequences of the crime continue to be borne by the family.
"Those responsible are given numbers to serve sentences, while I am left with a cemetery plot to visit and a lifetime of grief,"
Investigation findings
Police enquiries established that after the attack one of the defendants instructed someone to destroy the vehicle. The car was subsequently found burned a short distance from the scene.
- The attack was planned and involved multiple perpetrators.
- Weapons used were large knives carried by masked men.
- The vehicle used in the incident was deliberately set on fire shortly afterwards.
The sentences reflect the gravity of the crime and the court’s assessment of each defendant’s role. The case will remain a stark reminder of the impact of violent group attacks on victims, families and local communities.
