Jurors shown final moments
Jurors were shown harrowing CCTV footage capturing the final moments of dog walker Kieran Shepherd, who was chased through the streets of Great Baddow before being fatally stabbed.
The 30-year-old had been walking his dog on Meadgate Avenue around midday on 15 October 2023 when he was ambushed by three men who prosecutors say hunted him down and attacked him from behind.
Accused trio deny murder
Joseph Dawe, Zack O’Keefe, and Harrison Carpenter, all aged 20, are currently standing trial at Chelmsford Crown Court accused of Shepherd’s murder. All three have pleaded not guilty.
Footage played to the jury showed the defendants chasing Shepherd shortly after 12.24pm. He was later discovered lying on the ground by a cleaner who called emergency services. Despite the efforts of paramedics, Shepherd was pronounced dead at the scene around an hour later.
Violent stabbing detailed in court
Prosecutor Tracy Ayling KC told jurors that Shepherd suffered two deep stab wounds to his back. The 13 to 15 centimetre injuries pierced his left lung and heart with such force that they proved fatal.
The court heard that the defendants referred to themselves as “The Three Musketeers” and allegedly ambushed Shepherd without provocation. They were later overheard discussing the killing, with one of them reportedly claiming the stabbing “had to be done”.
Defence argues self-defence
However, the defendants argue they were acting in self-defence. O’Keefe told the court that he had sold cocaine to Shepherd earlier in the year and that there was previous tension between them. On the day of the incident, O’Keefe said Shepherd shouted at the group about his dog biting and then reached for a knife on the ground.
“I thought he was going to use it on Joe, Harrison, or me, or all of us,” O’Keefe said. He claimed he panicked and “swung” the blade, later realising blood had been drawn.
Witnesses heard men admit involvement
The jury also heard evidence from Olivia McElvaney, Carpenter’s girlfriend, who said in a statement that all three defendants admitted to being involved in Shepherd’s death. She claimed Dawe and Carpenter fought with Shepherd while O’Keefe delivered the fatal wounds.
According to McElvaney’s account, one of the men told her Shepherd had previously pulled a knife on a teenager and suggested that the stabbing was necessary.
The trial continues.
