A major police manhunt is continuing in Birmingham for a suspect wanted in connection with the murder of a teenager in Acocks Green, with the individual still evading capture four days after the fatal incident.
Details of the Tragic Attack
19-year-old Chris Ikouara was stabbed to death at an address on Olton Boulevard East in Acocks Green on Tuesday, January 13. Emergency services, including paramedics from the West Midlands Ambulance Service, rushed to the scene shortly before 2pm after a 999 call was logged at 1.48pm.
Despite the efforts of medical personnel, the young man was pronounced dead at the location. The semi-detached house where the tragedy unfolded was subsequently sealed off by police as a crime scene.
The Intensive Search for a Suspect
Detectives have named 22-year-old Zachariah Liburd as a suspect and are urgently appealing to the public for help to locate him. West Midlands Police confirmed that Liburd remained at large 96 hours after the murder.
Detective Superintendent Jim Munro has made a direct appeal to Liburd, urging him to surrender. "I would urge Liburd to do the right thing. Come forward before we find you," he stated.
He also issued a stark warning to anyone who might be assisting the wanted man: "If anyone is helping Liburd avoid us you should know you will also face arrest and prosecution."
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
The investigation team has been working around the clock, speaking to witnesses and reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding area. Officers have expressed gratitude for the public's assistance so far but stress that more information is critical.
"What we need now is for anyone with information on Liburd, no matter how insignificant you think it might be, to get in touch with us straight away," Det Supt Munro emphasised. Information provided will be treated in confidence.
The force's thoughts remain with the family of Chris Ikouara, who are being supported by specialist officers.
How to report information:
- Contact West Midlands Police on 101 or via Live Chat on their website, quoting log number 2771 of January 13.
- Information can be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
