Baby son will never know dad who was stabbed in the chest
A man's son will never get the chance to meet his dad after he was killed in a stabbing. Lloyd Velasquez died from a stab wound to the chest on May 1 last year.
Ben Ruddock, of Kendal Drive, Great Sutton, Ellesmere Port, was found guilty on Tuesday, January 21 of the 34-year-old's manslaughter following 15-day trial at Chester Crown Court. The court heard how at around 7.15pm that day, Mr Velasquez, 34, and a female friend of his attended the Ruddock's, home add to collect an e-bike which they believed had been stolen from someone they knew.
There was a minor argument between Lloyd and Ruddock, aged 20. The e-bike was recovered, and Lloyd and his friend. Ruddock then sent multiple threatening voice notes to the woman’s phone, directed towards Mr Velasquez.
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Ruddock armed himself with a knife from a barbecue set and told Mr Velasquez to meet him at a park. At around 8.10pm, he and his friend were driving along Hollybush Way, Ellesmere Port, when they saw Ruddock, who was with two other men.
Mr Velasquez exited the vehicle and a confrontation occurred. Ruddock produced the knife from his waistband and brandished it towards him and he got back into the car and left.
However, this wasn't the end and his friend received further voice notes in which Ruddock made more threats to harm Mr Velasquez. Minutes later, he and his friend were driving along Summertrees Road when they again saw Ruddock and the two men.
Mr Velasquez got out of the car and an argument ensued. During the incident, Ruddock produced the knife and stabbed Mr Velasquez and then ran away. Paramedics and officers attended and Mr Velasquez was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead. His son was born just nine weeks later.
Ruddock went home and left the knife in the garden, before changing his blood-stained clothes at another house. He then arranged to be driven to Hapsford Services before booking a taxi and travelling to a Merseyside.
Officers attended Ruddock’s address in Ellesmere Port that evening and seized the weapon. Ruddock was arrested during the early hours of Thursday, May 2 in Merseyside.
On Friday, May 3, a post-mortem revealed Mr Velasquez died from a stab wound to the chest. Ruddock was charged with murder the same day. Ruddock was found guilty of manslaughter and will be sentenced at Chester Crown Court on Monday, March 24.
The two men who were with Ruddock on the evening of the incident were arrested at the time but later released with no further action against them. Following the guilty verdict of manslaughter, Mr Velasquez's parents issued statements.
His mum said “There are no words to describe the amount of hurt and heartache Lloyd’s death has left, not only for his immediate family, relatives and close friends, but for his baby son, born just nine weeks after Lloyd was tragically killed on that fateful day on May 1, 2024.
“Everyone who mourns Lloyd knew him and loved him. Yet, his son will never have the opportunity to meet and get to know his dad, something no child should have to endure. And from Lloyd’s baby's point of view, justice will never be served.
“Lloyd is not able to speak for himself, and sadly two lives have been ruined as the result of Ben Ruddock’s horrific actions.”
A statement from Lloyd's father read: "The family would like to thank everyone involved regarding the investigation into the death of Lloyd Velasquez. From the police and legal team for their swift capture of the offender and work on the case, to the bystanders and ambulance service who assisted at the scene.
"We are so grateful for all their hard work and support throughout this awful ordeal. Our Lloyd was a much-loved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle, and dad to the lovely son who he sadly never got the chance to meet. The loss of Lloyd has left a massive hole in all of our lives. We can now only cherish our memories of him."