A man accused of murdering a teenager has informed a court that he heard “screaming” but did not witness the killing take place. The victim, Jamie Meah, aged 18, was fatally stabbed, while a 16-year-old boy suffered serious injuries after being forcibly removed from a taxi by a group of men in Armley, Leeds, in March 2023. Ranei Wilks, 23, is currently standing trial at Leeds Crown Court on charges of murder and attempted murder. During his testimony, Wilks stated that he was inside a vehicle “chilling” with three other individuals, but when they noticed someone brandishing a knife, the others quickly exited the car. The court was informed that Jamie Meah and the 16-year-old fell prey to a “vicious” assault.
Wilks shared with the jury that he remained in the Mercedes on Brooklyn Terrace out of fear for his safety, as he believed he could be severely harmed. However, he clarified that he was unable to witness the events unfolding and simply desired to leave the scene. Wilks acknowledged that following the murder, he traveled to Ireland, Paris, and then Turkey but later arranged his return to the UK in an effort to exonerate himself. In addition to the murder charges, Wilks also faces two counts of possessing a bladed article, one of which is connected to a separate incident. Meanwhile, three additional suspects implicated in the crime – Caleb Awe, Aquade Jeffers, and Enham Nishat – remain at large, having absconded from the UK subsequent to the incident.
The trial previously revealed that the group inside the Mercedes and the teenagers in the taxi were engaged in rival drug dealing activities. The 16-year-old had alighted from the taxi and approached a potential “customer” before recognizing the individuals in the parked Mercedes. Upon realizing this, he hurried back to the taxi, only to be forcibly removed alongside Jamie Meah by three passengers from the Mercedes. Subsequently, the victims were subjected to a brutal and sustained assault involving stabbing, kicking, and punching.
One of the suspects was reported to have wielded a “long knife,” described by the taxi driver as a sword measuring between three and four feet. The younger victim managed to flee to a nearby fish and chip shop, where he received assistance and later received medical treatment for his injuries. Jamie Meah sought refuge in a nearby residence and requested an ambulance, but tragically lost consciousness before paramedics could arrive. He was pronounced dead after being transported to the hospital.
Ranei Wilks, without a fixed address, was apprehended upon arrival at Leeds Bradford Airport in April 2024, following his return from Turkey to the UK. In his defense, Wilks’ barrister, Louise Blackwell, contended that while Wilks was present in the vehicle during the attack, he denies any active involvement or encouragement in the violent episode. The trial is ongoing, with further developments
