Family of teen stabbed to death in Chelmsford pay tribute to 'loving son' as man found guilty of manslaughter

The family of a 16-year-old boy who was fatally stabbed in the neck has paid tribute to the teenager, as his killer was found guilty of manslaughter following a four-week trial. Elijah Clark, 20, killed Andy Wood with a single stab wound which cut his jugular vein and caused “uncontrollable bleeding” in Waterson Vale in Chelmsford, Essex on the night of February 12 last year. He later died in hospital.

Christopher Paxton KC, prosecuting, earlier told a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court that Clark set out to rob Wood as he was “selling on his patch”. Clark had argued he was acting in self-defence when the incident happened. Mr Paxton said the defendant “saw himself as something of a drug dealer”, and that Wood had been sending out “marketing deal drug messages”.

Clark, of Gloucester Avenue, Chelmsford, was found guilty on Thursday of Wood’s manslaughter and of assault occasioning actual bodily harm of Wood’s friend. Essex Police said he was cleared of murder.

In a statement released through police, Wood’s family said: “Nothing will bring our awesome Andy back, but today's verdict gives us a small amount of comfort and possibly some sort of closure to allow us to properly grieve going forward.

“The people that knew Andy, will know what a fantastic human being he was and he will be remembered by all that he touched, as an amazing, loving, caring, son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin and friend that did not deserve to be taken away so soon.

“We would like to thank Essex Police and CPS for their work during the investigation. Thank you also to everyone that helped in trying to save Andy’s life. We will not be making any further comment and request we are respectfully left to grieve as we try to piece our lives together without our Andy.”

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe, said: “Today’s verdict brings conclusion to an extensive investigation by Essex Police which has lasted over a year. My thoughts remain with Andy’s family and friends at this difficult time, and I commend them for their strength throughout this investigation.”

A sentencing date has yet to be set.