Teenagers Cleared of Murdering 15-Year-Old Boy in Sword Attack
Teenagers cleared of murdering 15 year boy – In March 2025, a 15-year-old boy named Amen Teklay died in Glasgow following a violent confrontation with two teenagers. The High Court in Glasgow recently acquitted both boys, who were 14 and 15 at the time of the incident, of the murder charge. Now 16 and 17 years old, they remain unnamed to protect their identities as minors.
The Trial and Verdict
The trial unfolded in the St George’s Cross area, where the fatal incident occurred. According to the 16-year-old defendant, he and Amen each carried swords during the altercation, with the younger boy defending himself when attacked. The older teenager, however, claimed he stayed at a distance, asserting that he was not involved in the confrontation. The jury’s decision to acquit both boys has sparked discussions about the role of self-defense in youth violence cases.
Judge Lord Colbeck highlighted the jury’s thorough evaluation of the evidence, emphasizing that self-defense requires immediate threat and that violence must be proportionate to the danger faced. The emotional weight of the verdict was palpable, as Amen’s family and friends gathered in the courtroom, some expressing relief while others questioned the outcome. The court’s ruling underscored the complexity of interpreting intent and action in cases involving young offenders.
The Context of the Feud
The case stemmed from a growing rivalry between Amen and the teenagers. The conflict began in early 2024 after Amen and his friends allegedly stole cannabis from the 16-year-old boy and two others during a drug deal. This incident triggered a series of escalating confrontations, with some involving knives and other weapons. CCTV footage from these earlier disputes was presented in court, offering visual context to the events that led to the fatal clash.
Two days prior to Amen’s death, messages between the 16-year-old and others revealed the group’s confidence in their weapons. One exchange mentioned the teenager’s “big shank nearly as big as mine,” with the court clarifying that “shank” refers to a knife. This terminology suggested a heightened sense of readiness and aggression, which the defense argued was key to understanding the boys’ actions on the night of the attack.
The prosecution had contended that the 16-year-old initiated the confrontation, leading to Amen’s death. However, the jury found both defendants not guilty, citing their claim that Amen had attacked the older boy first. This decision has reignited debates about how young people are judged in criminal cases and whether the legal system adequately accounts for their maturity levels.
During the trial, a prior incident was recounted: a planned fight had been set between Amen and the 16-year-old
