Susanna Reid slams 'senseless' murder as two 12-year-old boys convicted of machete killing

Good Morning Britain (GMB) presenter Susanna Reid has slammed the 'senseless, awful' murder of 19-year-old Shawn Seesahai. The teen was stabbed to death by two 12-year-old boys in a horrific act of violence in the Black Country.

Shawn had 'brushed past' the two children who went on to attack him with a machete in a Wolverhampton park. The pair, who cannot be named because of their age, were convicted of murder on Monday, June 10.

They are the youngest convicted killers since 10-year-olds Robert Thompson and Jon Venables murdered toddler James Bulger in 1993. Speaking about the shocking crime, Susanna Reid asked how two children could get a machete during a segment on GMB this morning (June 11).

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Discussing the case, she said: "They're 12 years old. Lets just remind ourselves, they are 12 years old these two boys who have become Britain's youngest convicted murderers since the murder that shocked the whole nation and the world, that of Jamie Bulger.

"How are 12-year-olds getting their hands on machetes?" She went on to call the crime, which took place on Stowlawn playing fields in Wolseley Road, an "absolutely senseless, awful, horrific, murder."

Shawn tragically died at the scene on Monday, November 13 last year. He was in the UK for medical treatment after travelling from his home in Anguilla in the Caribbean.

On the night he died, Shawn travelled into Wolverhampton on the tram with two of his friends so one of the friends could visit his girlfriend. He had been living in Birmingham during his time in the UK for eye treatment, a court heard.

Shawn and the other friend bought energy drinks from a petrol station shop and went to Stowlawn playing fields to wait for their friend. While they were sitting on a bench in the darkness some youngsters, who had been on a nearby baseball court, came over.

Tragically, the exchange that followed resulted in Shawn being fatally stabbed. A post mortem later gave the cause of death as a stab wound to his chest. It also showed there was a second significant knife injury to Shawn's head as well as a number of slash wounds.

Police were the first to arrive at the scene and started CPR before paramedics took over. But despite all their best efforts, Shawn was declared dead at 9.11pm.

Two 12-year-old boys the following evening on November 14. A machete was found under one of their beds and blood-stained clothes were discovered in a laundry basket at one of the boys' homes.

A forensic analysis of a mobile phone seized by officers revealed multiple images of large knives and weapons along with a recent search asking 'how many criminal records can you have to leave the country'.

Witnesses told police the two boys were at the park and this was backed up by forensic phone work which also placed them there at the time of the fatal attack. Both boys, who denied murder, refused to answer any further questions during police interviews.

But Nottingham Crown Court yesterday (June 10), they were convicted of Shawn's murder. The pair were allowed to use fidget spinners while they gave evidence.

One admitted possessing a bladed article, while the second was found guilty of the same charge. They will be sentenced at a later date.

Det Insp Damian Forrest who lead the investigation by the Homicide Unit, said: "Throughout this case our thoughts have always been with Shawn's family who have been devastated by his death. Today we can only hope that they do feel some degree of peace knowing those who took Shawn's life have been convicted.

"It became apparent early on in the investigation that those responsible for Shawn’s murder were 12 years old, and that was deeply shocking. But it did nothing to reduce our dedication and fervour to ensure Shawn's killers were brought to justice.

"We worked tirelessly to establish what happened that evening and to leave a jury in no doubt that both boys were responsible for Shawn's death. Our teams worked carefully and respectfully with all those involved, some of them also very young, to build the case which has brought Shawn’s killers to justice.”

Shawn’s parents and sister have been left heartbroken by his death. They have travelled from Anguilla to see justice done for their son.

His mother, Maneshwary, said: “Shawn was such a loving son, he was so well-mannered, looked after us, was loving to everyone and very protective. He always said he wanted to work, he wanted his own house, his own car.

"He liked basketball and cricket, he loved those sports. He was always listening to music. He spent most of his time at home and didn't want to go out much."

His father, Suresh, said: "I will remember him every day, when I get home I see his pictures, his clothes, his sneakers, I will always remember him. Even at work, I work for myself and he works for me on weekends, when I would pack up my stuff he always helped me.

"Whenever I put anything in my truck now, he will be there with me helping me do it. I never had a problem with Shawn, he was such a loving son. He would be up at 5am to work, and whenever I paid him he always saved it.

We are a very close family, we'll never forget him." Suresh added: "Justice must be done. I want them to have the right sentence, they don’t have to be locked up for life, I just want it to be fair.

"We are keeping our fingers crossed that we’ll get the justice we've come here for."

Det Insp Damian Forrest added: “Sadly Shawn’s death is yet another reminder of how carrying weapons can have life-changing consequences for all those involved, and their loved ones, forever.”