Full Breakdown
Murder of Dale Martin: Gang Ambush Leads to Convictions in Derby
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Fatal Attack on June 15, 2025
On the night of June 15, 2025, a group of men wearing balaclavas surrounded a Renault Megane in the Stenson Road area of Derby. The vehicle contained 21-year-old Dale Martin, known locally as “DJ.” Witnesses said the attackers dragged Martin from the car, pursued him as he attempted to flee, and stabbed him multiple times with knives, swords and a large “Rambo”-style knife. The assault resulted in a fatal chest wound that pierced his liver, along with numerous other slash injuries.
Rival Gang Retaliation – Background
Prosecutor Adrian Langdale KC described the incident as the culmination of a “war of retribution” between two rival groups that had engaged in a series of tit-for-tat confrontations earlier that weekend. The Crown’s case framed the murder as a pre-planned, organized ambush carried out in response to prior minor clashes between the factions.
Timeline
- May 2025 – The trial opened at Loughborough Magistrates’ Court, with Langdale outlining the prosecution’s theory of a retaliatory gang war.
- June 15, 2025 – The fatal ambush took place in Derby.
- Post-verdict – Judge Gregory Dickinson KC adjourned sentencing to a later date and remanded the convicted defendants into custody.
- October 2 – Sentencing is scheduled for the six convicted defendants.
Data & Statistics
- Convictions: One murder conviction (Jayden Mannion-Roberts, 26) and five manslaughter convictions (Keenan Hamblett, 27; Ki Grant-Finlayson, 18; Kayin Holmes, 25; Kelci Thompson, 19; Shaylon McCalla, 27).
- Acquittals: Carlus Grant-Finlayson was cleared of murder; John Sylvester, Bridget Hamblett and Asha Waddilove were found not guilty of assisting an offender.
- Weapons: Multiple knives, swords and a large “Rambo” knife were reported.
- Location: The attack occurred in the Stenson Road area of Derby, with the victim initially inside a Renault Megane.
Official Statements & Responses
Detective Sergeant Chris Wright, the senior investigating officer, said the murder was a “brutal, sustained and planned attack” in which the perpetrators shouted “kill him, kill him” at the scene. He emphasized that the conviction allows Martin’s family to see those responsible face the consequences, though it cannot erase their loss.
Judge Gregory Dickinson KC, after the verdicts, ordered that sentencing be postponed and placed the convicted individuals in custody pending the October 2 hearing.
The Crown’s narrative, as presented by the prosecution, framed the incident as a deliberate, armed retribution linked to earlier minor clashes between the rival groups.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This murder, rather than being a random act of violence, was instead being the culmination of a war of retribution which had broken out between two rival groups.” — Prosecutor Adrian Langdale KC, judge
What’s Next – Sentencing
The six convicted defendants are slated to be sentenced on October 2. The court will determine the length of custodial terms based on the severity of the murder and manslaughter convictions.