Mother of murdered Bulwell teen thanks police for cadet base in his memory

Two years ago Lyrico Steede was stabbed in the Bulwell area of Nottingham, aged just 17 years old.

The teenager was lured to a recreation ground off Hempshill Lane before being chased and stabbed by a group of youths. He was found in Stock Well on the evening of February 13, and died five days later from his injuries.

Last year Nottinghamshire Police set up a police cadet base in his name, aimed at 11 to 16-year-olds, at the Crabtree Farm Community Centre, less than half a mile away from where he was killed.

Since it opened, the centre has gone from strength to strength, with dozens of youngsters through its doors and has even managed to keep going at arms’ length during the current lockdown.

One of the cadet leaders is Nottinghamshire Police’s Youth Outreach Worker Romel Davis, who has helped get youngsters through the doors of the base. The youngsters get to learn about the police and personal and community safety and take part sporting events, trips away and other activities with the cadet process being instrumental in reducing local crime, and also helping diversify the policing family.

Keishaye Steede, Lyrico's mother and a number of the force’s cadets today met outside the base to celebrate his life by releasing balloons and looking back on a busy year. Inside the balloons, current Nottinghamshire Police Cadets added messages of how Lyrico inspired them and what they have learnt and done since joining the force.

Miss Steede said: “I am so ecstatic to be here seeing what is going on with the cadets and to get to talk with them today.

“Romel has been doing such a phenomenal job in keeping Lyrico’s name alive, which means so much to me and my family. I have cried tears of joy to have seen such interest take place here with all the young people and it truly melts my heart.

“Romel is an absolutely amazing role model for the youth. They see a man like themselves who works for the police and I know it is having a positive effect on them. He is so passionate and this is what is making the difference. I am so pleased Nottinghamshire Police has done this and in my boy’s honour. If it can make a difference to just one young life it will be worth it.

“I really respect and appreciate the effort Romel puts into the hub and the kids have something to look forward to which is great.

“My son enjoyed participating at a hub on a Friday night when he was younger and lived in Bermuda and I know if this was available and he was still here he would have loved it and been actively involved. It fills me with joy to see how well the hub is doing.”

Nottinghamshire Police set up the base last year as they wanted to use the death of Lyrico to have a positive effect on youngsters in the community where he was murdered.

Superintendent Suk Verma, head of the force's citizens in policing department, said: "It is really important that we do everything in our power to help young people, and in this area in particular, to make good life choices.

“By joining the police cadets they get to see positive roles models of police and this helps dispel some myths, and builds their trust and confidence in the force.

“Lyrico’s death was a huge tragedy and affected a lot of people, including youngsters in this area. With this base we have created a legacy for Lyrico to help people remember him in a positive way. It is great to see so many young people embrace this and join our cadets and we hope to welcome many more in years to come.”

The past 12 months has seen the cadets take part in a number of activities including the first official session at the base last summer.

Cadets have also visited the control room at Force Headquarters to listen to emergency and non-emergency calls; attended a football session from the Notts County Football in the Community Trust; had a visit from the firearms team to learn more about their roles and also had a guided tour of the Bridewell Custody Suite.

Romel Davis added: “The aim of the cadet base is to encourage young people to follow the right path and inspire them to make good decisions that will help to influence them in the future.

"The tragic death of Lyrico and others like him is often the result of young people being misguided or getting into the wrong crowds. Joining the cadets is a way of pushing past some of the issues young people face.”

Two teens were given mandatory life sentences in January last year for Lyrico’s murder.

Kasharn Campbell, 19, of no fixed address, was given life with a minimum term of 20 years and 37 days, while Christian Jameson, 18, of Kirkbride Court, Chilwell, was given a minimum term of 16 years and 36 days.

A 17-year-old boy - who cannot be identified, and Remmell Miller-Campbell, 18, of Sneinton Boulevard, were found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter.

The 17-year-old received a sentence of seven-and-a-half years and Miller-Campbell was given nine years in custody.

A 16-year-old girl was also found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, and was jailed for six years.