Teen Found Guilty in Fatal Kings Heath Stabbing Over Electric Bike Dispute
In a tragic turn of events, 18-year-old Terrell Boyce has been found guilty of murder, robbery, and possession of a bladed article in connection with the fatal stabbing of Ronique Thomas in Kings Heath in April of last year. Birmingham Crown Court delivered the verdict on January 25, following a trial that also implicated Nathaniel Daly, 21, and Kody Stephenson, 20. The fatal incident unfolded in the early hours of April 26, with Boyce, Daly, and Stephenson involved in a knife attack on 33-year-old Ronique Thomas near the junction with Queensbridge Road. The confrontation arose from a dispute over the ownership of an electric bike, with the culmination of tension leading to a tragic loss of life.
The dispute began several months earlier when Mr. Thomas had his electric bike stolen in October 2022 outside a shop in Highgate. In March of the following year, he recognized the stolen bike being ridden by Boyce and confronted him. Despite Boyce's denial, he returned the bike to Mr. Thomas. Subsequently, Boyce made threatening visits to Mr. Thomas's partner's workplace, demanding the return of the bike.
The fatal encounter occurred when, by chance, Boyce, Daly, and Stephenson spotted the bike outside a shop in King's Heath while traveling in a taxi. Confronting Mr. Thomas, Boyce brandished a knife, Daly joined in the chase with another knife, and Stephenson seized the bike. The attack left Mr. Thomas fatally injured, and despite efforts by ambulance staff, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Following the incident, the trio proceeded to Stephenson's flat as planned. Detectives, responding swiftly, pieced together the attack and its aftermath through CCTV footage. The investigation led to the arrest of Daly on April 27, Boyce on the following day, and Stephenson two weeks later after a public appeal for information.
Forensic analysis linked a discarded bag, recovered by police and containing a knife, to Boyce and Stephenson. The knife was found to have traces of Mr. Thomas's blood, reinforcing the connection to the crime. Detective Inspector Jim Colclough from the homicide investigations team emphasized the brutal nature of the attack, describing it as an opportunistic robbery stemming from Boyce's promise of retribution.
The three men, Boyce, Daly, and Stephenson, will face sentencing at a later date. The verdict offers a measure of accountability for the devastating loss suffered by Ronique Thomas's family, yet serves as a somber reminder of the impact of senseless violence in our communities.
