Lee Chapman Southend murder: Teen killers jailed for life

Two teens have been detained for life with a minimum term of 12 and 14 years for murdering Lee Chapman in Southend on March 6 last year.

The 26-year-old father died in hospital from stab wounds on in the early hours of March 7 after being attacked in Cromer Road.

Victim - Lee Chapman

Lamar Davis, 18, of Southchurch Road, Southend, and a 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, aided Tyrell Thompson in planning and executing the attack.

The 17-year-old was stabbed in the incident, and after they fled the scene checked himself into hospital, where he lied about how he got the injury.

All three were later arrested, with around £3,100 worth of drugs being found inside Davis’ home.

The three men targeted Mr Chapman who had been working as a drug runner for a “Max” County Lines operation, as he had been robbed in the days before his death of his supply of drugs.

Tyrell Thompson

Thompson was second in command of the line, responsible for managing drug runners and their supplies.

All three denied murder but were convicted by a jury at Basildon Crown Court in December.

Davis and the other teen were sentenced today.

Mitigating for the 17-year-old, Tracy Ayling said: “This has touched the lives of not only him, but his family in a way they will never forget.

“It’s a tragedy for the deceased, and a tragedy for his family that he will now spend the rest of his life in custody.”

Ms Ayling added the boy had suffered a “traumatic childhood”.

Mitigating for Davis, Adam Davis QC said he "may not have considered the consequences of his involvement in the proceedings".

A huge memorial was held for Mr Chapman in Cromer Road following his death.

Judge Samantha Leigh said: "This is another life lost due to drugs and County Lines.

"The drug world picks on those that can manipulate, threaten and use by those further on up the line.

"Drugs have taken from all the people in this case, from Mr Chapman, his family, his young daughter, and the defendants.

"He was fatally stabbed in a frenzied attack. He was held unable to defend himself.

"Tyrell Thompson carried the knife. [The 17-year-old] held Mr Chapman."

Sadly missed - Lee Chapman was stabbed to death in Southend 

Davis, who dressed in a grey prison issue jumper, was detained for life with a minimum of 14 years and 318 days.

The other teenager, who dressed in a white shirt with yellow eyes on it, received a minimum of 12 years and 318 days.

Thompson, 24, of Kingston Road, London, was jailed for a minimum of 26 years in December.

Lee Chapman's memorial in Cromer Road