THREE men have been convicted after killing Marvin Warmington in Coventry.
Momoh Sesay, 23, and Arhin Tutu, 23, have been found guilty of murder and Daniel Israel, 35, has been convicted of manslaughter.
Following a confrontation on August 20 last year, in Gosford Green Park, Mr Warmington was stabbed in the heart.
Despite efforts to save him, he died from his injuries a few days later.
The trio’s actions were motivated by disputes over drug-dealing and the theft of a shared bike.
Mobile phone conversations between Israel and Sesay showed discussions regarding the incident, including messages about the murder weapon left in the park.
Further messages showed them discussing fleeing to London and one saying: “Never had a brother but found one in you.
“I will forever be a gang member.”
Tutu was in possession of a samurai sword during his arrest and answered ‘no comment’ when interviewed.
Despite their attempts to deflect blame and deny their roles in the event, the evidence against them was damning.
Sesay, in particular, could not explain the presence of his fingerprints on the murder weapon.
Sesay from Coventry, Tutu from Bulkington and Israel of no fixed address have previously pleaded guilty to dealing Class A drugs and Tutu had pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon.
They are due to be sentenced on March 26.
Det Sgt Leigh Harrison, from our Homicide unit, said: “This was a senseless and violent act which cost Mr Warmington his life.
“We hope this conviction will bring some closure to his family following their loss.”
When Mr Warmington died, a family tribute read:
“An incredibly loved father, son, brother and uncle, we have all been left with a piece of us taken along with him.”
