Murder arrest after man dies in daylight stabbing

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The 27-year-old was taken to hospital but was sadly pronounced dead this afternoon



A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following a fatal stabbing in a Coventry street today (8 July).

Police were alerted by ambulance colleagues at 11.50am to a patient in St Austell Road, Wyken , who’d gone into cardiac arrest after being stabbed.

The 27-year-old man, who lives locally, was taken to hospital but was sadly pronounced dead this afternoon.

A rapid police response and quick-time enquiries led officers to locate a man, also aged 27, elsewhere in Coventry where he was arrested on suspicion of murder.

A 53-year-old woman was earlier arrested from another address in Coventry on suspicion of assisting an offender.

West Midlands Police officers have already spoken to several witnesses but Detective Inspector Jim Colclough from the Homicide Team said he needs more people to come forward with information.

He added: “We understand there was an argument that ended with a man being stabbed – and shockingly he passed away at hospital just a couple of hours later alongside family members.

“Our officers responded brilliantly to this incident, securing vital evidence and witness accounts and locating two people we believe were involved.

“If anyone was in St Austell Road this morning and witnessed the stabbing, or has any information that could help our enquiry, then please call us on the 101 number.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Homicide Team on 101 quoting log number 1390 from 8 July.

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Murder charge over Coventry street stab death



A family has paid tribute to their "beautiful" son as a man is charged with his murder.

Daniel Kennell, 27, was found stabbed on Sunday on St Austell Road in Walsgrave, Coventry. He later died in hospital.

His family described him as the "centre of our universe".

Ryan Preston, 27, of Hermitage Road, Coventry, has been charged with murder and is due to appear at Coventry Magistrates' Court later.

A 53-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released pending further investigation.

Paying tribute to Mr Kennell, his family described him as: "Our precious, loving and beautiful son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew.

"Taken away so cruelly and way too soon.

"[He was] loved by everyone and we are blessed to have him in our lives. We are devastated and unbearably lost."

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Daniel Kennell murder: Killer jailed for life



The former school friend who stabbed Daniel Kennell to death is starting a life sentence today.

Ryan Preston, 27, was told he would have to serve a minimum of 22 years before he could be considered for parole.

Minus 198 days Preston has spent on remand since his arrest, it means he faces 21 years and 167 days behind bars.

Passing sentence at Warwick Crown Court, Judge Andrew Lockhart QC, the Recorder of Coventry, told Preston: "I set the appropriate term at 22 years - 8,030 days.

“This is the minimum time you will serve before the parole board may consider you for release.

“It is not a fixed term after which you will be automatically released but the term that must be served before the parole board can consider whether you can be properly released from custody.”

He added: “You will remain on licence for the rest of your life.

"Unless and until the parole board consider your release will be appropriate you will remain in custody.”

Preston, of Hermitage Road, Wyken , was convicted of murder by a majority verdict of 11-1 following a three week trial.

The court had heard how he and Mr Kennell were former school friends who became friends again in adult life based on their mutual enjoyment of drink and cocaine.

Described as an up and down relationship, the pair came to blows twice on the morning of July 8 last year.

The second confrontation, on St Austell Road, yards from Mr Kennell's home, would prove fatal with Preston pulling a knife and stabbing his friend in the chest.

Mr Kennell died from a single stab wound which punctured his heart.

After sentencing Judge Lockhart paid tribute to many people, including the police.

He singled-out Detective Sergeant Daniel Jarratt, who he said "has been referred to as a stalwart throughout the trial and I can endorse that".

He added: "The investigation has been of the highest standard and the citizens of Coventry should be proud of him."

The judge said he would be recommending to the appropriate authorities that DS Jarratt should be considered for "an appropriate commendation".