Life Sentences Issued for Fatal Stabbing of Father-of-One

Tyler Marshall, 20, and Cameron Stokes, 23, have received life imprisonment sentences for the murder of Joshua Barr, a 31-year-old father, in Cambridge. The killing, which occurred shortly after 05:00 GMT on March 10, stemmed from a debt owed by one of Mr. Barr’s friends. A four-week trial last month revealed that Marshall had been operating the “ASBO” drug line within the city and was owed money by an acquaintance of Mr. Barr. Both Marshall, who has no fixed address, and Stokes, from Highfield Close in South Glamorgan, were found guilty of murder and subsequently sentenced to life in prison at Peterborough Crown Court. Stokes was ordered to serve a minimum term of 21 years and 132 days, while Marshall received a minimum term of 15 years and 132 days. Following the attack in Carlton Way, Mr. Barr managed to flee the scene and contact emergency services. However, he collapsed and succumbed to multiple stab wounds an hour later. Cambridgeshire Constabulary reported that Marshall and Stokes were seen on CCTV cycling away from the site of the stabbing before taking a taxi towards Cardiff. Armed police intercepted their taxi en route to the Welsh capital around 22:00 on March 10, leading to their arrest. Last month, Mr. Barr’s family paid tribute to him, stating: “Josh was caring, strong and a fighter. Everyone that met him said he had such a kind soul. He was a loving son and was dearly loved by us all. He was a ray of sunshine.” Det Ch Insp Katie Dounias, of the major crime unit, commented: “Tackling violence, knife crime, and county lines drug dealing continues to be one of our top priorities in Cambridgeshire, and we’re working with the local authorities, schools, and other key partners on a daily basis, but it is not something police and the courts can do alone. We urge parents, guardians and young people themselves to help reinforce the message that if you are caught carrying a knife, you are reducing your prospects and risking prosecution and, of course, tragedy.”