Girl, 15, jailed for killing 'caring' Crawley musician with knife taken from home

Nimroy Hendricks, 24, died from a single stab wound to the chest Credit: Sussex Police

A 15-year-old girl has been jailed for killing a talented Crawley musician.

Nimroy Hendricks, 24, was stabbed in the chest in Russell Way, in the Three Bridges area on October 27, 2020.

Emergency services were called, but he died at the scene.

The teenage girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was handed a nine-year sentence for manslaughter when she appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, March 4.

The girl, who knew Nimroy, was initially charged with murder and appeared in court last July, following an investigation by the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team.

However, it was later deemed by medical experts, that the teenager was suffering from a "significant abnormality of mind", and the Crown accepted a plea of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Forensic officers in Russell Way, in the Three Bridges area of Crawley on October 27, 2020.

She was remanded for pre-sentencing reports before being handed her nine-year sentence. The final four years will be spent on extended licence.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Wolstenholme from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team said: “The death of Nimroy Hendricks is heart-breaking, and the whole circumstances of this case are both complex and tragic; our thoughts are with everyone affected by the loss of Nim.

"The acceptance of the plea for manslaughter was taken in light of all the available evidence from expert witnesses, and only after painstaking examination and discussion between Counsel, the CPS, the Police and Nim’s family.

“I know that Nim’s family will never get over the devastating loss of a man who was so peaceful, selfless and caring.

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"He was a talented musician who loved life, and whose death was the tragic result of a knife taken from home, in hands and a location where it never should have been.

"Those short moments have had an immeasurable effect on so many people who loved Nim, and many more who have heard his story and despaired at another death involving a knife.

"If you have information about individuals or groups carrying knives in Sussex or anywhere, please tell the police and prevent another family suffering the unimaginable pain that the loss of Nim has caused."