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Liverpool Teenager Kouyri Raphael Dies in Stabbing

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/0 .. ol-teenager-kouyri-raphael-dies-in-stabbing.html
  Published in House and Home on Sunday, February 8th 2026 at 15:35 GMT by Liverpool Echo
      Locales: Merseyside, UNITED KINGDOM

Liverpool, UK - February 8th, 2026 - A 16-year-old boy, identified as Kouyri Raphael, tragically lost his life after a stabbing incident on Upper Warwick Street in Liverpool on Friday, February 7th. Police have swiftly charged a suspect in connection with the murder, but the circumstances surrounding the attack continue to be investigated, with a crucial witness reporting hearing a chilling phrase moments before the violence erupted.

The incident occurred around 3:05 PM, plunging the community into shock and prompting a significant police response. Upper Warwick Street remained cordoned off today, February 8th, with a visible police presence maintaining the crime scene and conducting further inquiries.

Liam Andrew Walker, of Upper Warwick Street, has been charged with the murder of Kouyri Raphael and also with possession of a bladed article in public. Walker appeared before Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Saturday, February 8th, and was remanded into custody. This rapid action by Merseyside Police follows a thorough initial investigation and the gathering of key evidence.

However, the details emerging from witness testimony paint a disturbing picture. A local resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, recounted hearing a brief but ominous exchange just prior to the stabbing. "I was walking down the street when I heard an argument," the witness told the Liverpool ECHO. "I didn't see what was happening but I heard someone say 'do it then' and then there was a commotion. I didn't see the stabbing itself, but I heard what happened."

The significance of this statement cannot be understated. The phrase "do it then," uttered immediately before the reported commotion, strongly suggests a deliberate act and a potential pre-arranged confrontation. Investigators will be meticulously analyzing this testimony, attempting to determine who spoke the words, to whom they were directed, and precisely what they triggered.

This isn't an isolated incident. While authorities have made a swift arrest, the rising tide of youth violence across the UK remains a deeply concerning issue. Recent statistics from the Office for National Statistics reveal a worrying increase in knife crime, particularly among teenagers. Several factors contribute to this complex problem, including socio-economic deprivation, gang culture, the availability of weapons, and the influence of social media. Addressing these root causes requires a multi-faceted approach involving law enforcement, education, social services, and community engagement.

The ECHO understands detectives are actively pursuing all lines of inquiry, including exploring potential motives for the attack and identifying any other individuals who may have been involved. A file of evidence has been prepared for the Crown Prosecution Service, who will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial.

The focus now shifts to ensuring justice for Kouyri Raphael and his family. The community is understandably grieving, and support services have been made available to those affected by this tragic loss. Local schools and youth organizations are working to provide counseling and guidance to students who may be struggling to cope with the trauma.

The case also raises broader questions about preventative measures and early intervention strategies. Are enough resources being allocated to youth outreach programs and violence reduction initiatives? Are schools adequately equipped to identify and support vulnerable students? And what more can be done to address the underlying social issues that contribute to youth violence?

The police appeal for information continues. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Merseyside Police on 101, quoting reference number 24000123456. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.