Trial hears dog walker was chased and fatally stabbed by trio

Prosecutors say Kieran Shepherd was pursued by three men before being stabbed in the heart and lung.

At Chelmsford Crown Court, prosecutors said 30‑year‑old dog walker Kieran Shepherd was chased by Joseph Dawe, Zack O’Keefe and Harrison Carpenter before being stabbed to death last October:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

The court heard that O’Keefe alleges Shepherd drew a knife and claims the group acted in self‑defence, but prosecutors say the fatal stab wounds pierced Shepherd’s lung and heart:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

The trial continues, with the defendants denying murder.

The case has highlighted community concerns over knife crime in Essex.