Menu
24/10/2006
Thousands attend funeral of murdered boy
Around 2,000 people have gathered for a “life celebration service” for murdered schoolboy Jessie James today.
The 15-year-old student at the Manchester Academy was shot three times in the city’s Moss Side district, on Raby Street, in the early hours of 9 September.
It is thought the attack may have been gang-related, and Jessie was a victim of mistaken identity.
The ceremony, took place in a specially erected marquee in Broadfield Park, where the teenager was found unconscious after the shooting, and will include tributes from friends and family.
Many friends attended in school uniform, and others wore T-shirts with “RIP Jessie” printed on them, to hear his mother Barbara Reid, 47, read a eulogy and a selection of his favourite CDs.
His coffin was taken by horse-drawn carriage, led by a lone piper, to Manchester’s Southern Cemetery where Seventh Day Adventist pastor, Michael Simpson will conduct a short ceremony at his graveside.
Six of his friends carried the coffin, which was followed by his mother Barbara and her sister Rosemary, 28.
After the service, which will last two hours, Jessie’s coffin will travel two miles for a private burial, led by 15 of Jessie’s friends on mountain bikes.
Jessie, a keen Manchester City fan, described as a “happy, loving God-fearing lad”, was studying for his GCSEs and hoped to be an electrician when he left school.
Police in Manchester are hoping the funeral will prompt those who may have information on the killer, to come forward.
Det Supt Tony Cook, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “Someone supplied the gun and bullets, someone heard the offenders talking; someone saw them go into the park and leave.
“Someone saw or heard the killers when they came back discussing what they’d done; someone even knows where the gun is.”
He continued: “If you’re covering for a murderer, ask yourself how you’ll feel when another young victim gets shot and killed. Help us catch Jessie’s killer and put an end to this madness.”
A fund has been set up in Jessie’s name to set up community projects in the Moss Side area.
(JM/CD)
The 15-year-old student at the Manchester Academy was shot three times in the city’s Moss Side district, on Raby Street, in the early hours of 9 September.
It is thought the attack may have been gang-related, and Jessie was a victim of mistaken identity.
The ceremony, took place in a specially erected marquee in Broadfield Park, where the teenager was found unconscious after the shooting, and will include tributes from friends and family.
Many friends attended in school uniform, and others wore T-shirts with “RIP Jessie” printed on them, to hear his mother Barbara Reid, 47, read a eulogy and a selection of his favourite CDs.
His coffin was taken by horse-drawn carriage, led by a lone piper, to Manchester’s Southern Cemetery where Seventh Day Adventist pastor, Michael Simpson will conduct a short ceremony at his graveside.
Six of his friends carried the coffin, which was followed by his mother Barbara and her sister Rosemary, 28.
After the service, which will last two hours, Jessie’s coffin will travel two miles for a private burial, led by 15 of Jessie’s friends on mountain bikes.
Jessie, a keen Manchester City fan, described as a “happy, loving God-fearing lad”, was studying for his GCSEs and hoped to be an electrician when he left school.
Police in Manchester are hoping the funeral will prompt those who may have information on the killer, to come forward.
Det Supt Tony Cook, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “Someone supplied the gun and bullets, someone heard the offenders talking; someone saw them go into the park and leave.
“Someone saw or heard the killers when they came back discussing what they’d done; someone even knows where the gun is.”
He continued: “If you’re covering for a murderer, ask yourself how you’ll feel when another young victim gets shot and killed. Help us catch Jessie’s killer and put an end to this madness.”
A fund has been set up in Jessie’s name to set up community projects in the Moss Side area.
(JM/CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 February 2009
Murder Victim Made 'Repeat Allegations'
A woman who was found murdered had made "repeat allegations" about a man police believed killed her, it has emerged. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has confirmed it launched an investigation into the actions of West Midlands Police before the death of Clare Wood, 36, who was killed in Blackfriars, Salford.
Murder Victim Made 'Repeat Allegations'
A woman who was found murdered had made "repeat allegations" about a man police believed killed her, it has emerged. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has confirmed it launched an investigation into the actions of West Midlands Police before the death of Clare Wood, 36, who was killed in Blackfriars, Salford.
13 July 2007
Family found murdered in Manchester
The bodies of a teenage pop star, her mother and her brother have been discovered with serious head injuries which has prompted police to begin a murder inquiry. The three, believed to be local nurse 35-year-old Beverley Matthews, her 13-year-old son Fred and 18-year-old Keisha were found at a house in Fallowfield, Greater Manchester.
Family found murdered in Manchester
The bodies of a teenage pop star, her mother and her brother have been discovered with serious head injuries which has prompted police to begin a murder inquiry. The three, believed to be local nurse 35-year-old Beverley Matthews, her 13-year-old son Fred and 18-year-old Keisha were found at a house in Fallowfield, Greater Manchester.
05 November 2008
Teenage Army Cadet's Funeral Takes Place
The funeral of a teenage Army cadet, who was murdered outside a youth club, is to take place today. Joseph Lappin, 16, from Old Swan, died in hospital on October 20, after he was stabbed in the heart outside a youth club in Everton.
Teenage Army Cadet's Funeral Takes Place
The funeral of a teenage Army cadet, who was murdered outside a youth club, is to take place today. Joseph Lappin, 16, from Old Swan, died in hospital on October 20, after he was stabbed in the heart outside a youth club in Everton.
20 June 2008
Family To Celebrate Funeral Of 'Gentle Giant'
The funeral will take place today of murdered teenager Jimmy Mizen. Jimmy, who had just turned 16, was slashed across the throat with a shard of glass in the Three Cooks store on Burnt Ash Hill in Lee, on 10 May.
Family To Celebrate Funeral Of 'Gentle Giant'
The funeral will take place today of murdered teenager Jimmy Mizen. Jimmy, who had just turned 16, was slashed across the throat with a shard of glass in the Three Cooks store on Burnt Ash Hill in Lee, on 10 May.
18 September 2015
GMP Report On FGM Operations At Manchester Airport
Several hundred families were spoken to and more than one hundred flights were monitored as part of a week-long campaign to raise awareness about female genital mutilation (FGM).
GMP Report On FGM Operations At Manchester Airport
Several hundred families were spoken to and more than one hundred flights were monitored as part of a week-long campaign to raise awareness about female genital mutilation (FGM).
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
