Caught on camera: Police identify prime suspect after murder of Reagan Asbury at Walsall Town Hall boxing night
Police say Reagan Asbury’s killer was caught on camera striking him in the neck and are now working round-the-clock to track him down.
Detectives told how they have identified a suspect, who was seen on footage delivering ‘a blow to Reagan’s neck from behind’. It came as an inquest was opened and adjourned on the 19-year-old who was killed as trouble flared at a boxing show held at Walsall Town Hall.
The footage shows a black male striking Reagan in the neck from behind. And the only injury the teenager suffered in the attack on October 14 was a neck wound, it was heard.
He died at Queen Elizabeth Hospital the following day. It was the first time Reagan, from Wood Lane, Pelsall, had attended a boxing match and he was with his girlfriend’s family.
Detective Inspector Justin Spanner, from West Midlands Police's homicide team, told Black Country Coroners Court on Thursday: “We have opened a murder investigation after Reagan received a fatal injury after a large scale disorder took place at a boxing match. Numerous people were demonstrating violent behaviour that started inside and then went outside.
“A black male with an afro type hair style with a white t-shirt put a blow to Reagan’s neck from behind. A post mortem was conducted that showed the only injury was that to his neck.” He continued: “We also have a statement from a plastic surgeon who said it was a stab type injury. We have identified the suspect and extensive inquiries are now taking place for us to locate him.”
The footage is believed to have been gathered from mobile phone recordings and footage circulated on social media.
Two men were previously arrested in connection with the death and released on police bail. Senior Coroner Zafar Siddique adjourned the inquest for two months to await the outcome of the criminal investigation. Last week, friends and teammates paid tribute to the ‘always happy’ teenager as they gathered at a memorial event.
The former Ormiston Shelfield Academy pupil, who went onto become an apprentice in plumbing, had played as a centre back for Pelsall United.
