Gang Members Sentenced to Lengthy Prison Terms for Machete Murder of Father at KFC Drive-Thru

Four individuals have been sentenced to a total of 82 years in prison for the brutal murder of Kelvin Ward, a 50-year-old father, at a KFC drive-thru in Castle Bromwich, UK in April 2023.

The attackers, armed with machetes and zombie knives, targeted Ward and his 19-year-old son in a gang-related plot.

On April 18, 2023, the gang, consisting of Tyrone Hollywood, 17, Leighton Williams, 28, Rusharn Williams-Reid, 18, and Aaron Coates, 18, rammed the car occupied by Ward and his son at the KFC drive-thru. The gang chased Ward's son, shouting "Get him now, keep chasing. Kill him, everyone kill him." Ward attempted to intervene to protect his son but was fatally stabbed in the heart by Williams.

Following a major investigation and trial, the four gang members were convicted and sentenced for their roles in the attack. Hollywood and Williams were sentenced to life in prison, with minimum terms of 19 and 29 years respectively, for the murder of Ward. Coates was sentenced to 21 years for manslaughter and conspiracy to murder, while Williams-Reid received a 13-year, 6-month sentence for conspiracy to murder Ward's son, who managed to escape the scene.

Why this matters: The shocking machete attack at a fast-food restaurant drive-thru highlights the growing problem of gang violence and knife crime in the UK. The lengthy prison sentences handed down to the perpetrators send a strong message about the consequences of such brutal acts, as authorities work to address this concerning trend.

In an emotional tribute, Ward's family described him as a loving partner, father, son, brother, and friend to many. They expressed their grief and called for action to combat the escalating issue of knife crime in the country. The judge presiding over the case emphasized that carrying knives and using them to kill will result in severe consequences, stating, "There are no second chances when someone is stabbed to death."

Key Takeaways

• 4 individuals were sentenced to 82 years for murdering Kelvin Ward at a KFC drive-thru in the UK.
• A gang armed with machetes and zombie knives targeted Ward and his 19-year-old son in a plot.
• Attackers convicted of murder, manslaughter, and conspiracy to murder; received life and long sentences.
• The incident highlights the growing problem of gang violence and knife crime in the UK.
• Judge emphasized severe consequences for carrying and using knives to kill.