Family of Nathaniel Shani pay tribute to their ‘courageous’ and ‘charming’ young boy

Following the sentencing of two teenage boys yesterday (Wednesday 19 June 2024) after the murder of Nathaniel Shani, 14-years old, from Manchester, Nathaniel’s family have prepared the tribute below to honour their ‘courageous and charming’ boy.

“Our deepest gratitude is to the prosecution team for their tireless hours of work, the Detective Chief Inspector and entire police crew who did their work in unearthing what led to our son’s cruel death, the councillor of Blakely and Manchester City Council. Our family and friends, for unwavering support throughout the 9 months since our tragedy and The Officer Commanding, officers, men and Cadets at 317 Failsworth Squadron, Newton Heath who honoured Cadet Shani.

“Nathaniel will be missed for many reasons, he was such a courageous young boy, charming with a great sense of humour, loving and caring who loved jokes and laughs, when he was inspired seeing three stooges’ comedy team first time.

“Until his death, Nathaniel was never angry or mad at anyone. When he is bored, he will just crack a joke and every one would just burst into instant laughter whether it’s at home or in school or playground. That painful memory is failing to go away. The scars you have left us with, Nattie, may heal but are very visible to anyone we meet today. That permanent change in our life is painful.

“I walked into a Manchester market street shop a week ago, the chap serving me noticed my pendant, and said to me, “I know who you are, my condolences”. That’s how people know me now Nathaniel, its life-changing.

“For us, this sudden death has brought many feelings: sleepless nights, constant use of antidepressants, uncontrollable tears, no plans for a day’s life including suicidal thoughts. It’s like a dream and that when we wake up, Nathaniel will be in his room sleeping. By all means, for those who have experienced PTSD, they can relate to this.

Nathanial's family said: "We want more to be done about knife crime with a total ban of carrying knives in our streets. There is no knife too small to cause harm or serious damage.

"We want parents to take part and responsibility in ensuring their kids don’t carry knives or held liable vicariously. Parents need to be given some control over their kids, if they suspect any unusual behaviours and challenge their children they must not be penalised.

"Schools must disclose and discuss with parents any information regarding their children, these can be picked up before someone loses their life.

"There is no safeguarding without involvement of the parents.

“Our wish is that more powers need to be given to police to pin down those carrying knives, prosecute and award longer sentences.

“Our plea is for everyone to  “Say No to Knives, No Knife is too Small”.