CCTV: Witnesses Called Over Joshua Ribera's death

14 November 2013, 06:00 | Updated: 1 February 2019, 09:27

Detectives investigating the murder of a teenage rapper have released images of nine potential witnesses they want to speak to

Joshua Ribera, known as Depzman on the music scene, died after being stabbed in the chest outside TCs nightclub on Coronation Road in Selly Oak at around 11pm on 20 September.

He had been attending a fundraising event for his friend Kyle Sheehan, who was murdered in Bartley Green in September 2012.

Armani Mitchell, 18, from The Green in Northfield, has been charged with Joshua's murder but officers are keen to stress that the investigation is very much ongoing and are appealing for help to identify the people in the CCTV images.

Detective Inspector Gary Plant from Force CID, said: "We know there were lots of people at TCs when Joshua was stabbed and there are still many who haven't come forward or who we haven't been able to identify.

"Some of those in the CCTV stills could be vital witnesses who have crucial information which would assist our investigation. I would urge anyone who recognises themselves in these images or anyone who knows the identities of those pictured to get in touch with us as soon as possible."

Joshua's mother, Alison Cope, appealed directly to those in the images to come forward. She said: "I would like to personally ask all the people shown in the images today to spend a moment imagining someone had killed you, broke your mother's heart and the hearts of your family and friends.

"Would you want people to come forward for you and for your mother? Yes you would. Don't be seen as the person who didn"t help put the pieces together in this investigation. You might feel the information you have isn"t important, but it is and I need you to help me. So please, contact the police."

Anyone who can assist the police investigation should call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

An 18-year-old man from Edgbaston remains on police bail after being arrested in connection with Joshua's death.