Teenagers Sentenced to Life for Murder in Racist Stabbing of Father
Two teenagers have been jailed for murder after a "kind" father was stabbed in the heart during an unprovoked racist attack in Barry, South Wales. Marcus Staniforth, 17, and a 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, approached Kamran Aman, 38, as he delivered groceries to his mother's home on the night of June 30, 2025.
Details of the Attack
The pair, both from Llantwit Major, kicked and punched Mr. Aman, with the younger teenager hurling racist abuse throughout the assault. Staniforth retrieved a kitchen knife from a nearby property where the boys had been drinking alcohol and used it to stab Mr. Aman in the heart. Emergency services were called, but Mr. Aman, a married man with a young child, was pronounced dead at 1:07 a.m. on July 1, 2025.
At Cardiff Crown Court, Mr. Justice Griffiths lifted reporting restrictions for Staniforth, allowing his identification, while those for the 16-year-old remain in place. The judge sentenced Staniforth to a minimum of 17 years in custody and the 16-year-old to a minimum of 15 years in prison.
Judge's Remarks on the Racist Motive
Mr. Justice Griffiths described the attack as deliberate and racist. He noted that earlier on the day of the murder, the 16-year-old had painted racist graffiti on a wall. The boy, who had taken cocaine, later spotted Mr. Aman in his car and targeted him because of his race. The judge stated, "He wanted to hurt him really badly, because he was not white - that was his only reason," adding that the teenager shouted racist slurs repeatedly during the assault.
While Staniforth was described as "not racist but he was violent," the judge emphasized that both teenagers participated in a sustained and unprovoked attack. The 16-year-old was told he was "old enough and mature enough to know that trying to cause a complete stranger really serious injury because of his race was wrong."
Impact on the Victim's Family
In a victim personal statement, Mr. Aman's mother expressed being left "upset and lonely" by her son's murder. His wife, Khaleela, described him as "kind to everyone and someone you could rely on in times of need," highlighting his devotion to his family. She told the court, "There's a hole in our hearts that can never be filled."
Legal Proceedings and Background
Both teenagers were arrested and initially admitted to manslaughter but were later convicted of murder following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court. During the hearing, it was revealed that both defendants had been diagnosed with ADHD and had troubled childhoods. The case underscores the severe consequences of hate crimes and the lasting trauma inflicted on victims' families.
