Teen's Music Studio Horror: Four Men Convicted for Brutal Shooting and Machete Murder of 17-Year-Old Tyler McDermott in Tottenham

Hi and welcome to this Video Production News Court Report:

Four Convicted for Murder of Teenager Outside Tottenham Music Studio

Four men have been convicted for the murder of 17-year-old Tyler McDermott, who was fatally shot and stabbed outside a music studio in Tottenham. The investigation, led by Detective Sergeant Devan Taylor, was marked by meticulous detective work, including the painstaking analysis of hundreds of hours of CCTV footage.

Tyler McDermott was attacked on April 13, 2023, after leaving a music recording studio on Norman Road, Tottenham. The confrontation, which started inside the studio, escalated when one of the defendants became upset at being filmed. This led to a violent clash outside the studio.

Tyrese Barnett, 20, and Leo Reid, 20, were identified as the primary attackers. Barnett shot Tyler in the head with a ball bearing, and as Tyler lay defenceless on the ground, Reid struck him with a machete. Despite immediate medical attention, Tyler succumbed to his injuries the following day.

Detective Sergeant Taylor expressed his condolences to Tyler’s family, commending their dignity throughout the trial. “Tyler was a son, a brother, and a nephew. Losing him has devastated his family. I hope these convictions provide them with some closure,” he said.

The Metropolitan Police investigation into Tyler McDermott’s murder was extensive and methodical. Detectives worked tirelessly, analyzing hundreds of hours of CCTV footage to piece together the events of that tragic night. This painstaking effort was crucial in identifying the suspects and their actions. Detective Sergeant Taylor praised the dedication and hard work of his team, stating, “Our officers were relentless in their pursuit of justice for Tyler. The level of detail and commitment shown in reviewing surveillance footage and gathering evidence was instrumental in securing these convictions.”

Barnett and Reid were apprehended at Heathrow Airport, attempting to flee the country. Alongside them, Rhys Antwi, 20, and Kalam Bagge, 19, were also convicted for their roles in the murder. Antwi was seen arming himself with a sword inside the studio, and Bagge was aware of Barnett's possession of the firearm. Both Antwi and Reid had previously pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon.

Prosecutor John Price KC highlighted the tension between the two groups present at the studio, leading to the fatal encounter. The jury, after more than 70 hours of deliberation, found Barnett and Reid guilty of murder, with Barnett also convicted of attempted murder for firing a second shot at Tyler's friend, Kamali Lindo.

Barnett, Reid, Antwi, and Bagge will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on September 20, 2023. The trial also saw the acquittal of Alfred Coker, 21, and Damaris McBeth, 20, who were initially charged with murder.

This case underscores the senselessness of youth violence and the devastating impact it has on families and communities.

Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all, stay safe, and I’ll see you then.

Bénédict Tarot Freeman

Editor-at-Large

VPN City-Desk

citydesk@vpnldn.co.uk