Denva Smith tried to run from attackers but made a 'fatal error', a murder trial was told
17:09, 15 Jan 2026
A dying man was heard to say 'I'm somebody's son' as he lay bleeding to death in a garden, a murder trial has heard. Denva Smith, 24, was fatally stabbed in Exmouth in May of last year.
Five men are on trial at Exeter Crown Court accused of his murder. The trial heard that multiple witnesses saw people running and heard shouting in the area of Ashfield Close.
It is alleged Denva was chased by a gang of men before collapsing in the residential garden. One witness heard a voice mumbling, 'Help me, I've been stabbed.'
By the time police arrived there was 'blood everywhere' and paramedics could not save him. He died in the garden of the property in Ashfield Close shortly after midnight on May 31, 2025.
Zac Davies, 23, of Hawthorn Grove, Exmouth; Dylan Chadwick, 23, of Cambourne Avenue, St Helens; Ben Mason, 23, of no fixed abode, Exmouth, Thomas Ward, 24, of Russell Walk, Exeter and Ben Helliker, 26, of Halsdon Road in Exmouth have all pleaded not guilty to murder.
The first day of the trial heard the prosecution outline its case to the jury. James Dawes KC, for the Crown, said the defendants had 'beef' with Denva and there was a background of drugs and previous violence.
Shortly after midnight Denva and a friend were seen on CCTV leaving a property on Cheshire Road. As they approached a pedestrian crossing on Dinan Way they encountered Denva's alleged killers walking in the opposite direction.
Mr Dawes said witnesses saw Denva bolt down a grassy embankment towards garages on Hawthorn Grove as soon as he saw the five men approaching. Taking that route was a 'fatal mistake' and he was cut off by the men, said the prosecutor.
Witnesses heard the men shouting murderous threats as they chased him. Shouts included 'I'm going to f*****g kill you' and 'Get him, lad. Get him.'
One of the voices had 'a thick Scouse accent' mentioned 'shanking' and shouted 'Get back here you maggot', claim the prosecution.
Denva was stabbed through the arm but managed to get away. Doorbell footage caught him running down Ashfield Close, still being chased by two of the gang.
The prosecution say video footage shows members of the gang causally leaving the scene in the aftermath, one of them 'grunting' aggressively and walking to a nearby house. The murder weapon is said to have been put in a bin.
Denva crashed through a gate and collapsed. Neighbours heard his groans and called 999. Paramedics arrived a short time later but could not save him. The knife had gone completely through his forearm and severed an artery.
The trial continues.
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