Meshaq Berryman, a 9Boyz gangster, faced hardship at home before shooting teens at a wake, leading to a life sentence.
Berryman got a life sentence and must serve at least 24 years. The shooting happened at a church hall in Handsworth where people gathered to remember Akeem Bailey. Akeem was killed with a knife.
The court heard Berryman had a tough childhood, and his lawyer said school was also difficult. He went to a pupil referral unit, and isolation worsened his problems, leading him to gangs. His poor background further complicated things.
Berryman was found guilty of attempted murder. Police showed bodycam footage of his home, which his lawyer described as very squalid, chaotic, and dirty. Berryman was arrested there, and it was clearly not a good environment.
He must take responsibility for his actions. His lawyer claimed Berryman was vulnerable and his age made him easily influenced. Berryman now works to reduce violence in prison.
Akeem Bailey was stabbed in 2022 and killed by a former friend. About 100 people attended his wake, which was later targeted by Berryman.
Rivals from another gang were present at the wake. The 9Boyz and Armed Response have fought for years. Berryman lived in Lozells and admitted to selling drugs.
The judge said gang violence is terrible and plagues the city. He said Berryman’s home life was not normal. Berryman was deeply involved in a gang, and the judge read a letter from Berryman’s grandmother describing his path into gangs.
He had many childhood problems and lacked proper education; bad influences affected him. He lived in squalid conditions, and the judge initially thought 42 years was a fair sentence.
The judge reduced it to 35 due to Berryman’s age and added a year for the drug charges, bringing the total to 36 years. Ultimately, the judge decided on a life sentence instead and set the minimum term at 24 years, which Berryman must serve.