Two teenagers charged with murder of 13-year-old Jahziah Coke

Hi and welcome to this Black Country Crime Report:

Two teenage boys appeared in Birmingham Magistrates' Court yesterday charged with the tragic murder of 13-year-old Jahziah Coke.

The young boy, despite the best efforts of paramedics at the scene, died at his home in Lovett Avenue, Oldbury last week.

The two defendants were both remanded in custody. They cannot be named, nor have their ages released due to reporting restrictions that protect the identity of people under 18 involved in criminal proceedings.

According to West Midlands Police, a man in his 40s also appeared in court after being charged with assisting an offender. He is set to appear in Birmingham Crown Court on 1 October. The man, who appeared separately in the same court on Tuesday, pled not guilty. For legal reasons, his identity cannot be disclosed either.

Both teenagers are scheduled to appear at Birmingham Crown Court on 5 September. “You are both charged with the murder of Jahziah Coke on the 29th of August this year,” District Judge Bristow stated, as he remanded the boys into youth detention accommodation.

“The offence is one so serious only the crown court can deal with it, so I am going to send both of you, and the charge, to the crown court and you will both appear on the 5th of September", the Judge continued.

“The law does not allow me to grant you bail. I am going to remand you both into custody today to youth detention accommodation.” he concluded.

In a heartfelt tribute issued through a police statement, Jahziah’s Mother paid tribute to her son describing Jahziah as “a very polite, kind and family-orientated young man.” She added, “he was very loving and always smiling. His smile would light up the room. He was very kind-hearted.”

This case has sent a shock wave through the Oldbury community with one elderly lady saying “I can’t believe this, he was too young, this is so sad”.

The West Midlands police are continuing to gather evidence for this case and are urging the public to send in any CCTV or Ring doorbell footage from the time of the incident.

We will keep you informed of all future updates.

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.

Natalie Smith

Black Country News Desk

Twitter (X) @natalie_Zion

natalie.bcnews@gmail.com