Three teenagers catfished a man they believed was a pedophile, luring him to a beach where he was killed.
A 16-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy were found guilty of manslaughter by a jury this week in the death of Alexander Cashford, 49. Cashford died last August in Leysdown-on-Sea on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, England, according to reports.
A third teen, a 16-year-old boy, had previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter. All three were cleared of the more serious charge of murder on Monday, Feb. 16.
Prosecutors said the plan began after the girl met Cashford at an arcade, where he gave her his phone number. Using the false name “Sienna,” the teens arranged to meet him at the beach. In court, it was said Cashford’s number was saved in one teen’s phone under a derogatory label.
The boy who admitted manslaughter told the court they planned to confront Cashford because they believed authorities would not act, despite what they saw as an attempt to meet a teenage girl.
When Cashford arrived, the two boys chased and attacked him, throwing rocks and using a bottle, while the girl filmed and encouraged the assault, prosecutors said. Footage of the attack was later shared online and was played during the trial.
Cashford was later found face-down in mud with severe injuries across his body. He was pronounced dead about an hour after emergency services arrived.
Sentencing is expected in April.
