Three sentenced for roles in Cheetham Hill fatal stabbing

Vernard Murray, 26-years-old, was found seriously injured at a property on Cardinal Street on October 23, 2025, after being pursued and attacked by a group of men.

He later died in hospital from his injuries.

Following a trial earlier this year, Lee Williams (11/08/2006), of Gravenmoor Drive, Manchester, was convicted of murder and two counts of possession of a bladed article.

He was sentenced to life in a young offenders’ institution with a minimum term of 21 years.

Riley McDermott (16/03/2008), of Inghamwood Close, Salford, and John Harte (08/01/2007), of Weaste Lane, Salford, were convicted of manslaughter.

McDermott was sentenced to eight years in a young offenders’ institution, while Harte received a six-year sentence.

A police investigation revealed that on October 23, 2025, Murray had been chased by two masked men, later identified as Williams and McDermott, who were armed with large knives after his car was blocked, rammed, and overturned.

Lee Williams (11/08/2006), Riley McDermott (16/03/2008) and John Harte (08/01/2007) (Image: GMP)

Despite escaping the vehicle and fleeing on foot, he was stabbed and later died in hospital from his wounds.

Further enquiries revealed that Harte instructed someone to “burn it, the car.”

The BMW used in the attack was found torched two hours later, approximately 0.6 miles from the scene.

Murray’s family delivered emotional statements in court.

His father said: “Vernard wasn’t just my child – he was my pride, my hope for the future, and a huge part of who I am.

“To the people responsible, I want you to understand that your actions didn’t just take one life – they have destroyed many.

“You have taken a son from his father, and nothing will ever repair that.

“I will carry this loss for the rest of my life.”

His mother said: “Those responsible are given numbers to serve sentences, while I am left with a cemetery plot to visit and a lifetime of grief.

“I find myself asking where the justice is in this.

“In many ways, it feels as though I am serving a sentence alongside them, carrying the pain and consequences of their actions every day.”

His siblings described Mr Murray as more than a victim.

They said: “Our brother was more than another victim in this case.

(Image: Google Maps)

“He was a son, a grandson, a father, a partner, an uncle, and our brother.

“He was loved, and he is missed every single day.

“No sentence can restore what has been taken from our family.

“The consequences of this murder will remain with us for the rest of our lives.”

His partner spoke of the lasting impact on their family.

She said: “Although the court will sentence those responsible today, my son and I will continue serving our own life sentence of grief.

“We will wake up every day knowing that Vernard is never coming home.

“Our son will grow up with memories instead of a father, and I will spend the rest of my life trying to fill a space that can never be filled.”

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Naismith of GMP’s Major Incident Team welcomed the sentences.

He said: “Today’s sentencing reflects the devastating consequences of a shocking attack that claimed the life of Vernard Murray.

“This was a truly shocking case, occurring in a residential area, with fatal consequences.

“The violence inflicted upon him was horrific, and those actions have left a family grieving their loved one forever.

“No sentence can undo the loss they have experienced, but we hope today’s outcome can provide them with some measure of justice and closure.

“I would also like to thank the officers and staff whose dedication and professionalism helped us identify the offenders and piece together significant amounts of evidence to secure these convictions.”