Two teenagers were acquitted of murder charges in connection with the death of 15-year-old Amen Teklay, who died after a confrontation in Glasgow in March 2025. The fatal wound was inflicted by a blade approximately 19 to 20 centimeters (7.5 to 7.9 inches) long, which a post-mortem examination determined would have caused rapid and unsurvivable blood loss.
During the trial, the prosecutor had described the incident as a "murderous assault," questioning the self-defense claims of the 16-year-old defendant. He argued that the older teenager must have recognized the significant risk of serious injury involved in the encounter. The defense for the 16-year-old contended that their client had attempted to de-escalate the situation, stating, "It's Ramadan, we don't need to do this." While acknowledging the defendant was "not a misunderstood angel," the defense suggested Amen Teklay was "hunting" their client.
The defense for the 17-year-old, who was 15 at the time of the incident, asserted that their client had no motive and crucially, no knife. It was argued that simply being present at the scene did not equate to guilt.
Amen Teklay, originally from Eritrea, lived in Glasgow with his father and attended St Thomas Aquinas secondary school. He had recently been granted right to remain status in the UK. Following his death, a vigil was held in his memory at a football park in Scotstoun.