An inquest has heard details of a distressing event involving two childhood friends in Birmingham. On 5 November last year, 16-year-old Diego Henry suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head. It is believed that his long-time friend, 17-year-old Jaydon Beckford, may have accidentally discharged the firearm.
Diego, described by his mother as having a “laugh that would light up the room”, passed away in hospital on 7 November. Jaydon’s body was discovered near a canal on 10 November, with evidence suggesting he had taken his own life.
The inquest, held on Monday, 24 June, revealed that the two boys, along with another friend, were at Jaydon’s home in Ladywood when the incident occurred. Jaydon’s mother, Leah Hussain, recounted hearing laughter from the lounge before being startled by a loud noise around 12:30 pm.
Upon entering the room, Ms Hussain found Diego unresponsive and the third friend in shock. Jaydon had fled the scene. CCTV footage later showed him running towards the city’s canal system.
Ballistics expert Huw Griffiths noted that while the trajectory of the bullet made self-infliction unlikely, he could not definitively rule it out. Detective Sergeant David Newson of West Midlands Police stated that the working hypothesis was an accidental discharge, with no evidence of animosity between the friends.
Area Coroner James Bennett concluded that, on the balance of probabilities, the gun was discharged inadvertently without malicious intent. However, he acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the exact circumstances.
Diego’s mother, Donna Johnson, shared a heartfelt tribute to her son, remembering his love for music, dancing, and his aspirations in construction. The inquest for Jaydon Beckford is scheduled for later this week.
This tragic event has left two families devastated and a community in mourning, highlighting the devastating consequences that can arise from the presence of firearms.
