Chilling footage of moment clubber stabbed in neck for 'standing in killer's place'

The tragic moment Edward Wilson stabbed Akeem Francis-Kerr in the neck at Valesha's nightclub in Walsall was caught on camera

CCTV shows the shocking moment a man murdered a Walsall clubgoer after stabbing him in the neck. West Midlands Police has released footage showing Edward Wilson stabbing Akeem Francis-Kerr at Valesha's nightclub - also known as Coliseum – in Newport Street in the town centre in the early hours of Saturday, March 11 this year.

Wilson is said to have stabbed his 29-year-old victim for ‘being in his spot’. Footage captures the moment Wilson walks into the venue. Akeem Francis-Kerr arrives an hour later.

But within minutes of arriving Akeem is stood at the bar in an area where Wilson had been earlier. Detective Inspector Ade George, the senior investigating officer, said he thought Wilson has a ‘very fragile ego’.

Read more Man attacked outside Lichfield pub – CCTV appeal as police release photo of man

In the footage, Wilson starts talking to Akeem after returning from the toilet but soon afterwards delivers the fatal blow to his neck with a knife. Wilson then swiftly flees the nightclub with his hood up and drives off in an Audi.

DI George said: “He potentially felt threatened by Akeem’s presence, because he was there. We believe he was sat with two girls. Akeem is described as a lovely man who would talk to lots and lots of people and I just think he was there and [Wilson] felt either intimidated or threatened by his just mere presence.

“His response was extreme violence. Within a minute of them coming together, Edward Wilson has produced a knife and has stabbed Akeem to the neck.”

Edward Wilson, 40, of Temple Way, Oldbury, was jailed for life for the murder and told he will serve a minimum of 22 years at his sentencing hearing at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday (December 15). He had previously been convicted of murder at Stafford Crown Court following a trial in September.

Akeem’s devastated family issued a statement after Wilson’s conviction and said: “Akeem had his whole life ahead of him. We are heartbroken that he will never reap the rewards of his hard work.

“Akeem was devoted to his family, particularly his brothers and nieces. He loved his family dearly. Akeem had wishes of becoming a dad, as he loved children, he was somewhat a big kid at heart. Akeem would do anything for his loved ones.

“To know Akeem was to love Akeem. Memories of all that know him will create the authentic story that will forever live on. His smile, laugh, jokes and presence are fond moments we will all cherish forever.”

The family thanked police and legal staff for securing the conviction and said: “We give thanks to all officers, specialists, prosecution and everyone who has worked tirelessly on Akeem’s case. The family liaison officers have been extremely supportive.

“We truly appreciate every individual and team involved. We will forever be thankful and hold you in all in hearts for eternity.”

They added: “We give thanks to the most high for guiding and protecting us during this time of excruciating pain. Only now we feel like a small fraction of justice has been served. Nothing will ever return or replace Akeem’s unmatched energy. We will all remember Akeem for his bright smile and we know the universe will shine a lot brighter with him on the other side.”

Det Insp George paid tribute to Akeem and his family and said: “Akeem was such a lovely, loving young man. He has a large extended family and they are very close. It has devastated them.

“Akeem has gone out on a night out. It should have been a happy and joyful night out but he never returned home. We hope Wilson’s conviction will at least give the family some justice.

“Nothing will ever bring Akeem back but hopefully now they can begin to rebuild the next part of their lives.”

Read more: Claps and cries of 'justice' as nightclub killer is jailed until his 60s

He added: “We don’t know Wilson’s motive for sure but we believed he killed Akeem out of anger, arrogance or jealousy. CCTV was crucial in convicting Wilson.

“Through the hard work of our officers we were able to track the movements of Wilson and his party on the night as well as Akeem and prove it was Wilson who was responsible for his murder. He reacted with extreme and unprovoked violence.

“Wilson is an individual used to getting his own way. An individual who has shown a total lack of remorse.”