16-year-old charged with murder of Maliki Sharma in Feltham High Street stabbing

An 18-year-old man was stabbed to death in Feltham High Street in January 2026 after a group of masked youths attacked him in what prosecutors describe as a revenge killing. Maliki Sharma collapsed and died shortly after the stabbing, which took place in front of members of the public.

The Old Bailey trial heard the fatal attack followed a series of violent incidents between two groups of youths over three days. Prosecutor Catherine Farrelly KC said the violence was fuelled by social-media posts that humiliated one of the defendants after an earlier assault.

Revenge attack planned after social-media humiliation

Farrelly told the court that on 10 January 2026, a 16-year-old defendant and his brother were attacked in Feltham High Street by members of a rival group. The assault was recorded on mobile phones and shared online, which prosecutors say added to the humiliation.

The following day, the three defendants, all wearing masks and hoods, returned to the scene to search for those responsible. Farrelly said they intended to inflict serious harm, including with a knife. On 12 January, the groups clashed again, leading to Sharma’s stabbing.

Farrelly said the stab wound partially severed an important artery, causing Sharma to collapse and die shortly afterwards. The 16-year-old charged with murder also faces a charge of possessing a bladed article. The other two defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm and violent disorder.

Defendants deny charges

All three defendants, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have pleaded not guilty. The trial at the Old Bailey is expected to last several weeks. The court has not yet set a date for its conclusion.

What happens next

The trial will continue at the Old Bailey, where further evidence is expected to be presented. The jury will hear testimony from witnesses and examine mobile-phone footage and social-media posts related to the case. A verdict is not expected before the end of the month.