The aunt of a 16-year-old boy who was murdered in a gang-related attack in Bristol has paid an emotional tribute to him. Two teenagers have been found guilty of killing Darrian Williams on February 14 this year.
His aunt, Tiffany Williams, said that he was “full of life” and “loved himself and his appearance”. She described him as her “little right-hand man”.
She said: “Darrian was full of life. He was a little bit extra in everything he does. He loved himself and his appearance. He loved his hair, it was a big thing for him, he had very beautiful curls.
“Cheeky. Smart, extremely intelligent; very, very intelligent. He lived with me for eight years now and he was like my little right-hand man with the younger kids.”
Bristol Crown Court heard how the killers cycled into Rawnsley Park, in Easton, and began attacking Darrian with knives and in just eight seconds of violence caused a fatal stab wound to his back. The boys, who are now 16 and cannot be named for legal reasons, denied murder but were found guilty by a jury.
The jury was told that Darrian was sitting on a picnic bench with friends when he was attacked. He managed to run away before flagging down a passing van driver for help.
Sadly, he could not be saved. A pathologist concluded that the cause of his death was a single stab wound to his back.
Trial judge Mr Justice Saini adjourned sentencing until December 5 for the preparation of pre-sentence reports and remanded the teenagers in custody. He said to them: “You have heard the verdict of the jury and you have both been found guilty of murder.
“Under the law I have to pass a life sentence upon you. I have to decide the minimum term before you can apply for parole.”
Addressing Darrian’s family, the judge added: “There are no winners at the end of this case. I know it is an unimaginable loss.”