Schoolboy ‘possibly exploited’ into drug dealing, murder trial told

Amen is said to have been assaulted by the two teenagers in the St George’s Cross area of Glasgow on 5 March 2025.

Prosecutors claim the boys brandished a sword and frying pan at Amen, and then chased him.

The charge states he was struck with the sword and left so severely hurt that he passed away on Clarendon Street.

Amen lived in Glasgow with his father, but was originally from Eritrea.

Det Con Michelle McLeod, 49, told jurors she arrested a third youth – who is now 16 – two days after Amen’s death, on suspicion of murder, breach of the peace, assault and possession of an offensive weapon.

Part of the boy’s police interview was played to the jury, where he was heard to say that he had been with the two accused playing football that night.

The boy said that he said his goodbyes and went home, and that he did not witness anything.

He claimed that his video doorbell had him arrive home at 22:19, while the murder was said to have taken place about 22:15.

The jury were shown crime scene photographs and footage of the two accused on the night of the murder.

At around 22:15 the 16 and 17-year-old were identified as being together outside a garage in Maryhill.

Two minutes later, footage from the same area showed the 17-year-old running from the direction of Clarendon Street towards St George’s Road.

He then appeared to throw something over a wall, before the 16-year-old then appeared to come into view on an e-scooter, going in the same direction.

The 16-year-old accused also faces an allegation of attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

A special defence of self-defence has been lodged by the 16-year-old.

The trial continues before Judge Lord Colbeck.