Bristol, UK – A mother’s world turned upside down when she received the devastating news of her 16-year-old son’s tragic death. Mikey Roynon, a vibrant young boy from Kingswood in Bristol, was fatally stabbed with a zombie knife at a house party in Bath. The heart-wrenching journey back to Bristol after receiving the call felt like an eternity for Hayley Ryall, as she clung to hope that it was all a dreadful mistake.
On June 10, 2023, Mikey succumbed to a single 9.5cm stab wound to his neck, leaving his loved ones shattered by the loss. His friends, Leo Knight and Cartel Bushnell, both 16, were later sentenced to nine years and six months and nine years in prison, respectively, for his manslaughter. Throughout the trial at Bristol Crown Court, the judge revealed their identities, stripping away their right to anonymity.
Hayley, in her victim impact statement, painted a picture of a young boy full of life – “fun, fearless, and loving.” She poured her heart out, describing the nightmare she now lives in, unable to escape the haunting memories and the void left by Mikey’s absence. As she struggled through what would have been his 17th birthday in November, the pain only intensified.
The courtroom was filled with raw emotion as Hayley’s words echoed the deep anguish and longing she feels for her son. The impact of Mikey’s death reverberated through their family and friends, each one grappling with the unimaginable loss in their own way. Mikey’s father, Michael, known as Spike, shared fond memories of their bond, now shattered by the cruel hands of fate.
As the trial unfolded, chilling footage emerged of the perpetrators boarding a bus armed with deadly intentions, heading towards the ill-fated party in Bath. The stark reality of knife violence struck a chord with Hayley, who emphasized the need for open conversations about the devastating consequences of such actions. She urged parents to confront the harsh truth, showing them the ripple effect of one senseless act.
In the aftermath of the trial, amidst the verdicts and sentencing, Hayley found solace in the pursuit of justice. Though nothing can erase the pain and loss she feels, she hopes to raise awareness and prevent others from enduring the same heartache. Mikey’s memory lives on as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need to address the underlying issues that lead to such tragedies.