The father of a murdered 17-year-old boy said he feels “empty, sad and broken” following his death. 

Jesse Nwokejiobi died after being stabbed near Logan’s Meadow in Cambridge on November 19. 

His father, Henry, described his son as a person that “when you see him, it’s hard not to like him. 

“I feel empty, sad and broken.” 

Henry last saw Jesse, one of five children, in February having moved from north-west London to live in Cambridge. 

A keen rugby player and rapper, Jesse was studying at Cambridge Regional College in pursuit of a career in electrical engineering. 

“I feel Jesse is probably the kind of person I could say ‘do this for me’.” said Henry. 

Ely Standard: Jesse Nwokejiobi's father Henry said his son was someone that was hard not to like.Jesse Nwokejiobi's father Henry said his son was someone that was hard not to like. (Image: Cambridgeshire Police)

Henry, 60, told journalists he found out about Jesse’s murder through a friend who called him the morning after his son had died. 

He also feels no hate towards those responsible. 

“I can’t hate, I want to forgive,” Henry said. 

Two 16-year-old boys, charged with Jesse’s murder, appeared at Cambridge Crown Court on December 5.

Both boys were remanded in custody with a plea hearing to take place at Cambridge Crown Court on January 6.

A provisional trial date of May 30, 2023 has been set with a venue unconfirmed.

In a statement, Rita Ofor, Jesse’s mother, said her son was “my anchor, hope, strength, and support system. 

“I will miss your smile, calls, hugs, play, music, help, birthdays, prayers, outings, and everything.” 

Henry, who spoke about knife crime with Jesse, hopes that young people can be educated on the topic. 

“More education is required to make kids understand the dangers of carrying knives.” 

A 44-year-old man and 36-year-old woman from Harston, arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, have been bailed to return to Parkside Police Station on February 28. 

Two 14-year-old boys and a 17-year-old boy from Cambridgeshire, arrested in connection with Jesse’s murder, remain on bail to return to Thorpe Wood Police Station on February 20. 

Anyone with information is urged to pass it to the Major Crime Unit online via the Major Incident Public Portal.  

Anyone without internet access should call 101 and quote Operation Helix.