Murdered teen’s mum feared ‘dying in same way’ after being attacked by savage youths while visiting his grave
THE mum of a murdered teen feared she would be killed “in the same way” after being attacked by savage youths while visiting his grave.
Zoey McGill had gone to light candles and tend to Jack Woodley’s grave on Halloween after he was stabbed to death at a festival.
But she said “two cars full of people” arrived and launched into a “sickening” assault.
The mum told how she was kicked and punched by the thugs, who she claimed adopted a “pack mentality”.
Zooey said: “I was approached by one of the group, and shortly after all of them jumped on me.
“When they were kicking me on the floor, all that went through my head is what happened to Jack. I thought they were going to kill me in the same way my son died, right by his grave.”
The mum, who gave birth to a baby boy 14 weeks ago, was rushed to hospital with muscle damage and bruising to her head, neck and torso.
None of her injuries are thought to be serious but Zoey said she has been affected mentally by the attack.
Son Jack, 18, was enjoying a night out at the Houghton Feast in County Durham in October 2021 when he was set upon by ten thugs.
The pack, aged between 14 and 18, had been looking for a fight when they saw the teen walking towards the town centre.
Horrified witnesses said the killers were like animals attacking a piece of meat before Jack was stabbed in the back with a 7cm knife.
Mum Zoey said: “I spend a lot of time up there, I spend a lot of money on his grave. The kids did his grave up for the three year anniversary, and the lights were all cut up.
“These people wouldn’t do this alone, but they’ll do it together, the same as they did to Jack that night.
“Jack’s murderers killed him in exactly the same way and it’s that pack mentality that the law needs to start stamping down on.”
Jack’s killers were all jailed for murder after jurors heard they were involved in the pile-on to various extents.
The boys tried to get their convictions overturned but appeal judges said the murder verdict was “safe”.
Zoey said some people have offered to come to the cemetery with her but she feels her son’s grave should be a safe space for her.
Durham Constabulary confirmed it had launched an investigation into the attack.
A spokesperson said: “Police are investigating an assault which took place at West Cemetery, in School Aycliffe, last Thursday evening (October 31).
“A woman is believed to have been assaulted by a number of people while visiting the cemetery. Thankfully, she is not believed to have suffered any serious injuries.
“An investigation has been launched and enquiries are ongoing.”