Overview
- Vernard Murray, 26, was chased, his car rammed and overturned and he was stabbed twice on October 23, 2025, before dying in hospital.
- After a four-week trial at Manchester Crown Court, Lee Williams was convicted of murder and jailed for life with a minimum term of 21 years and 74 days while Riley McDermott and John Harte were convicted of manslaughter and given eight and six years respectively.
- Court evidence included CCTV of two masked attackers jumping from a hired BMW to block Mr Murray, Ring doorbell footage of Harte urging someone to 'burn it, the car,' and phone footage showing post-attack celebration and efforts to change clothing.
- Police say a fourth male who drove the BMW has not been identified or caught and investigations into his role continue.
- Mr Murray’s family made victim impact statements describing lasting grief and Greater Manchester Police and prosecutors highlighted the case as an example of how digital footage and coordinated investigation can secure convictions in group knife attacks.