Two boys in court for murder of 13-year-old

The teenagers appeared at Birmingham Magistrates' Court last week accused of killing Jahziah Coke in Oldbury and were remanded in custody.

Jahziah Coke died last Thursday in his own home in Lovett Avenue, Oldbury, despite the efforts of paramedics.

Forensic scientists and police officers at the crime scene in Lovett Avenue in Oldbury on Friday (Image: Phil Barnett/PA)

The boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared in court today (Tuesday, September 3) and were charged with murder.

Flanked by five port officials, the youths spoke only to confirm their names and to signal that they understood what was happening. They showed no emotion during the brief hearing.

District Judge John Bristow remanded them to a young offenders' institution and they are due to appear at Birmingham Crown Court on Thursday.

The judge said: “You are both accused of the murder of Jahziah Coke on August 29th this year.

“The offence is so serious that only the Crown Court can deal with it. Therefore, I will commit you both and the prosecution to the Crown Court and you will both appear on September 5th.

“The law does not allow me to grant you bail. I will take you both into custody today, in a youth detention center.”

Dozens of bouquets of flowers, candles, balloons and teddy bears were left at the scene of the fatal stabbing. (Image: Matthew Cooper/PA)

A man in his 40s, accused of assisting and abetting a crime between August 29 and September 1, appeared separately at Birmingham Magistrates' Court this morning and pleaded not guilty.

He was remanded in custody by Judge Bristow to appear at Birmingham Crown Court on 1 October for a commitment and trial preparation hearing.

For legal reasons, his name cannot be mentioned.

In a tribute released by West Midlands Police, Jahziah's family said he was a “very polite, friendly and family-orientated young man”, adding: “He was very loving and always smiling.”

“His smile lit up the room. He was very kindhearted.”