Mother of Yousef Makki dies year after son's death
The mother of teenager Yousef Makki, who was stabbed to death last year, has died.
Debbie Makki died in the early hours of Sunday morning, her daughter Jade Akoum confirmed in a social media post.
Yousef was killed after being stabbed in the heart with a flick knife in Hale Barns, Cheshire, on March 2, 2019.
In July, a teenage boy was cleared of Yousef's murder and manslaughter following a trial at Manchester Crown Court when he claimed he acted in self-defence.
He admitted possession of a knife and perverting the course of justice and was given 16 months in custody.
Ms Makki and the family have been calling for a full inquest into Yousef’s death, and at a pre-inquest hearing in February their legal representative Matthew Stanbury said matters surrounding the teenager’s death “have not been sufficiently aired”.
Ms Akoum said on Facebook: "At least you are with Yousef now, we told him we needed you here a bit longer but you had to be together.
"Mum died with a broken heart & we knew she wanted justice for Yousef and i promise you mum we wont give up until we get it for you."
Due to lockdown, Ms Akoum says she had only seen her mother twice in the 12 weeks prior to her death.
In October, Ms Makki gave a speech at an anti-knife crime summit in Manchester.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham was among those to pay tribute to her.
He wrote on Twitter: “So so sorry to hear this news. And after everything the family has been through.
“Debbie was such a lovely person and deserved so much more. My love to them all.”