‘Caring soul’ dad-of-two stabbed to death on Christmas Day | UK | News

A father-of-two who was fatally stabbed on Christmas Day has been hailed by his grieving family as a “loving brother, a loving father, a loving partner and a caring soul”. Trey Johnson, 30, was found seriously injured on Burcot Avenue in Wolverhampton just after 3.30am, but was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

While two men, aged 35 and 58, who were first arrested as part of the investigation, were released without charge, a 42-year-old woman who was detained on suspicion of aiding a criminal was also released on bail. Now – as West Midlands Police renewed its appeal for witnesses to come forward – his heartbroken family have released an emotional tribute saying he would “do anything for anyone”.

They explained: “Trey is a loving brother, a loving father, a loving partner and a caring soul.

“Trey is a person who would do anything for anyone. His smile, love and energy are contagious and he lights up the room when he walks in.

“He was a loving father of two children. He was a good man, a good son who did everything and more for his family.

“We as a family are proud of Trey and he will be greatly missed by his family and everyone who knew him.”

Residents described being ‘woken up at night’ by police and ambulance sirens and inspectors carrying out door-to-door canvassing on Christmas Day morning.

In the days following the incident, they spoke out about their sadness over the Christmas Day murder, and many people expressed their thoughts to the family.

They also said they did not want to let their children go out and play with their toys on Christmas Day, when police were on the streets and cordoned off.

One local resident said: “It made for a miserable Christmas. It’s really heartbreaking to hear. I can’t imagine what that family is going through.”

“You really don’t want your kids playing in the street when something like this happens, but for that to happen on Christmas Day I didn’t even let them go out and play with their toys.”

Following the incident, 3 people were arrested and released, while 2 were released “without any further action.”

Following an investigation by police investigators, two people were arrested on suspicion of murder the same morning. However, the force later announced that they were released “without further action”.

On 27 December, West Midlands Police announced the arrest of a 42-year-old woman on suspicion of assisting an offender. He was later released on police bail pending further investigation.

Police now say officers are speaking to witnesses and taking CCTV to establish what happened.

Det Insp Michelle Cordell said: “Our thoughts are focused on Mr Johnson’s family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.

“Our inquiries are progressing rapidly and we are keeping the family updated as the investigation progresses.

“We have spoken to a number of witnesses but we would urge anyone with information about what happened that night to come forward and speak to us.”