Two boys, 16, deny killing 17-year-old boy in Cambridge nature reserve

Two 16-year-old boys deny stabbing to death 17-year-old in Cambridge nature reserve after he moved from London to live with his mother

• Jesse Nwokejiobi, 17, died at the scene near Logan’s Meadow, next to River Cam
• The 16-year-old boys were arrested last year and pleaded not guilty on Friday
• They are due to stand a 15 day trial from July 31 at Huntingdon Crown Court 
• Jesse’s father asked his son to move to Cambridge thinking it would be safer

Two 16-year-old boys have denied stabbing and killing a 17-year-old boy in a Cambridge nature reserve after he moved out of London to live with his mother. 

Jesse Nwokejiobi died at the scene after an attack near Logan’s Meadow, a small reserve next to the River Cam, on November 19 2022.

Two 16-year-old boys – both of whom were arrested at properties in south London last year – entered pleas of not guilty to murder in an appearance at Cambridge Crown Court on Friday.

Judge Mark Bishop remanded both defendants in custody and they are due to stand trial from July 31 at Huntingdon Crown Court. The trial has a time estimate of 15 days.

Jesse Nwokejiobi, 17, pictured, died at the scene after an attack near Logan’s Meadow, a small reserve next to the River Cam, on November 19 2022

Jesse’s father Henry Nwokejiobi, 60, of Mill Hill in north-west London, said he had asked his son to move from London in February to live with his mother Rita because he thought he would be safer there.   

‘Things were happening in that area, I live in Mill Hill… Things were not really right with a lot of kids, things happening there,’ he said. 

‘I said to him, ”Jesse, go and live with your mum for a while”. That was the last time I saw him.’

The father added that Jesse had lived with him in London for at least three years before that point.

Jesse was the middle brother of five. His siblings are aged aged 23, 22, 13 and 11

‘Honestly I thought he would be safer in Cambridge,’ Mr Nwokejiobi said. ‘Cambridge is not known for that kind of stuff, stabbings.’

He said the teenager would not carry a knife, and that he ‘had words with Jesse about knife crime’ prior to his child’s death. 

‘I’ve told him ”avoid knife crime’. As a child they think they’re invincible. They think they will never die,’ he said. 

‘I always told him, if you’re with your friend and someone tries to attack your friend, just run away or call the police.

Two 16-year-old boys,  both arrested at properties in south London last year, entered pleas of not guilty to murder in an appearance at Cambridge Crown Court on Friday. Pictured: Police at the scene of the fatal stabbing 

‘Getting involved, you could get attacked yourself, or they could have it in for you later. I’ve always told my son about this.’

Mr Nwokejiobi said he harbours no hatred toward the boys accused of murdering his son.

‘I can’t hate him. Forgive. I’m a Christian,’ he said. 

Jesse, who was 6ft 6in-tall, loved playing rugby and singing, according to his father. ‘He does rapping as well.’ 

Jesse was the middle brother of five. His siblings are aged aged 23, 22, 13 and 11.

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