.svg)
A harrowing inquest has brought to light the violent criminal history of a 14-year-old girl who fatally stabbed a talented musician to death in the street. The tragic incident, which occurred in Crawley, West Sussex, in 2020, saw 24-year-old Nimroy Hendricks succumb to a single stab wound to the chest at the hands of the then 15-year-old assailant.
The teenager, who cannot be identified due to her age, had been flagged by authorities as "high risk" and was explicitly "known to carry a knife," the hearing was told. Her extensive criminal record, compiled in her short life, painted a picture of a "violent individual" who had faced a "catalogue of charges" on the Police National Computer (PNC).
Detective Superintendent Andy Wolstenholme of Sussex Police recounted the chilling moments of the attack. On the night of October 27, 2020, Nimroy, affectionately known as Nim, traveled to an apartment shared by the girl, referred to as Child A, and her mother. Nimroy was known to the mother, though not in connection with his work as a carer.
Upon finding the apartment in disarray, Nimroy confronted Child A in her bedroom. He then left the residence, making his way towards a nearby train station. However, he was pursued by the armed teenager. As she caught up with him, she "swings and lunges at him," according to Det Supt Wolstenholme. "Nim says: 'I’ve been stabbed' and he stumbles backwards." Child A then retreated back to the apartment, reportedly telling a witness before she left the area, "I’ve stabbed Nim."
Paramedics and the air ambulance were dispatched swiftly to the scene, but despite their frantic efforts, Nimroy, who had been working as a carer and had aspirations of becoming a therapist, was tragically pronounced dead.
The inquest heard that Child A was later arrested and found to be suffering from a "significant abnormality of mind." In 2022, she pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility at Bristol Crown Court. She was subsequently sentenced to nine years, comprising five years in custody and four on an extended license.
Nimroy's mother, Elizabeth Hendricks, delivered a heartfelt tribute to her son, describing him as a "hugely loving child and man" and a gifted musician. "He was a leader and a performer. He loved books and reading. He was confident, happy and inquisitive," she said. "He was a joy to us. He loved the environment, the mountains and being close to the sea."
Mrs. Hendricks revealed that Nimroy had recently moved to Thornton Heath, near Croydon, to pursue his caring profession and had applied to college to further his education. She emphasized that while Nimroy knew the girl's mother, he was unaware of Child A's "serious criminal history." Despite this, Nimroy, known for his immense compassion, had gone to great lengths to offer help to both the mother and daughter.
The inquest, which is expected to span two weeks, continues as it seeks to fully understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic loss.
