Teenage boy charged in connection with murder of 20-year-old Dylan Keenan

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of Dylan Keenan.

The teenage boy has been charged with murder and threatening a person with a blade/ sharply pointed article in a public place.

He has been remanded in custody for a hearing today.

Dylan, 20, was stabbed on Cheetham Hill Road in Dunkfield on 4 February, at around 9.30pm.

Four teenage boys were initially arrested on the suspicion of the murder but have since been released under investigation and bail.

Police investigating the murder have been searching an area of woodland in Tameside with the assistance of police dogs.

Dylan Keenan’s mother is appealing to members of the public to help ensure her son’s death is not in vain – by supporting the fight against knife crime.

She pleaded with parents to make sure their children are aware of the serious dangers of knife crime, stating in a GMP press conference:

“If you know or suspect your kid or any kid you care about is carrying a weapon, please do something before it’s too late: Have a conversation with them; help them surrender it; or report it. Doing something might seem hard but it could save a family heartbreak like mine. Look at my life, look at what could happen – everything changes overnight.” 

Stabbings

Dylan is the third young person to be stabbed to death in Manchester in the past two weeks.

Kennie Carter, 16, and 17-year-old Alan Szelugowsk each died due to stabbings in separate incidents.

A 14-year-old boy was included in a group of six teenagers arrested in connection with of Kennie Carter’s death.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested in connection with Szelugowsk’s murder and released on bail.

GMP Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Jackson said in a statement:

“I would like to start by sending my condolences to the loved ones of the four young men who have been fatally stabbed in our region this year, and others affected by violent crime.

“I echo Nicola’s sentiments entirely and can assure parents, carers and anyone else who is concerned that fighting, preventing and reducing the use of weapons is one of GMP’s highest priorities and that, across the force, police officers and staff are proactively working to keep people safe in a number of ways, such as: working with partner agencies and communities; continuing our Forever Knife Amnesty; and stop searching.”

Anti-Violence Campaign

As a part of the increasing fight against Knife crime in Greater Manchester, a new anti-violence campaign has been launched called “#SpeakingOutCouldSaveALife”. The campaign encourages friends, family members and teachers to speak out if they are concerned about a young person potentially involved in knife crime.

The GMP explains: “It might be a difficult conversation, but talking about knife carrying is the way to finding a solution and saving lives. “