The heartbroken mother of a teenager stabbed to death says she will not rest until she gets justice for her son.
Camille Harrington says she and her family are still in a “state of shock” after 19-year-old Ashton was killed in the early hours of Good Friday.
Camille Harrington with her son, Ashton, who was stabbed to death in the early hours of Good Friday
Police have launched a murder investigation but have yet to arrest any suspects in connection with the death of the young dad.
Speaking to KentOnline from her home on the London Road Estate in Canterbury, mum-of-three Camille says she is determined to see justice served.
“I just don’t know how someone could be so cruel to end his life like that,” she said.
“I don’t really know how they can sleep at night. Anger has taken over my emotions now.
“I won’t rest until I look in their eyes when I see them facing justice in court.”
Dad-of-one Ashton Harrington doted on his baby daughter. Picture: Harrington family
The 37-year-old recalled the moment she was woken at 4.30am on Friday by a police officer at her door.
“I could just see the sadness in her eyes before she even told me,” she recalled.
“I was hoping that they were going to say he’d had a bit of an accident, that he was in hospital and had hurt himself.”
Instead, Camille was told Ashton had died from fatal stab wounds in Belmont Road, Whitstable, just hours earlier.
“It’s like a bad dream you think you’re going to wake up from. I was just in shock and needed to see him to believe it was true,” she said,
“It feels like a Netflix documentary. No family should have to feel this pain. No mother or father should have to get that call or the knock at the door to tell them their child isn’t coming home.
“He had messaged me that night to tell me he loved me, so I’ve got that.”
Ashton Harrington with his mum Camille and stepdad Conor
Ashton’s death has devastated his family, including his mum, his stepdad Conor, his grandmother Lorraine, and his younger brothers Bentley, 12, and Caisley, 11.
It has also left his baby girl without her father – something Camille says is especially difficult to take.
“I’m never going to see him grow up, and his 18-month-old daughter will never see her dad again,” she said.
“He adored her and she would light up when he was around. She’s been asking for her daddy, which is so upsetting.”
Camille says Ashton was hugely popular with his friends and incredibly loyal to those closest to him.
“He had such a bubbly personality and would light up the whole room with his infectious laugh, which made everyone else laugh too,” she said.
“He was the life and soul of the party, and was happiest when he was out with his friends, who he grew up with and are a lovely bunch of boys. They’re absolutely heartbroken.
“He had his whole life ahead of him.”
Ashton Harrington’s family say he had an ‘infectious laugh’ and was incredibly loyal to those closest to him
A former pupil of Canterbury Academy, Ashton later trained in carpentry and enjoyed motorbikes and fishing with friends.
He had become a father at just 17 – a role his family say he embraced.
“He doted on his little girl and was literally with her on the day he died,“ Camille said.
“He’s left a piece of himself behind with her, and I have to be grateful for that.”
Ashton was found stabbed in Whitstable at just after 2am on Friday, April 3.
Police and paramedics were called and an air ambulance landed at the nearby Westmeads Recreation Ground, but he could not be saved.
Officers taped off the area and a murder inquiry was launched.
In the days since, dozens of floral tributes have been left near the scene, including at the entrance to Whitstable Town Football Club.
Tributes to Ashton Harrington in Belmont Road, Whitstable, where he died from fatal stab wounds
A note from staff at the nearby Whitstable Nursing Home read: “Knife crime needs to stop, full stop. It is destroying our communities and families.
“Sorry for your loss at this sad time.”
Camille says the support from the community has been overwhelming.
“The love that people have shown us as a family has been non-stop,“ she said.
“As much as it’s been very overwhelming, I think it’s helping us get through.”
Fundraising appeals have also been launched to help cover funeral costs and support local crime prevention charity Safer Kent.
The funeral appeal has already raised more than £7,000, while the second fundraiser has collected £1,700.
“We want to give him the best possible send-off because he deserves it,” said Camille.
Family and friends are also gathering on the Victoria Recreation Ground in Canterbury at 6pm tomorrow (Friday) to release balloons in Ashton’s memory.
Police are trying to trace Kieron Barnes (left) and Tobias Agbaje as part of the investigation. Picture: Kent Police
Three days after his death, police announced they were looking for two men – Tobias Agbaje and Kieron Barnes – who they want to speak to as part of their enquiries.
They are believed to have links to Herne Bay, Whitstable, Canterbury, Sittingbourne, Ramsgate and London, but have yet to be traced.
Armed officers have also carried out two warrants as part of the investigation – one in Clarendon Street, Herne Bay, on Saturday evening, and another in Newington Road, Ramsgate, on Monday afternoon. No arrests were made.
Anyone who has information about the whereabouts of the two men should call 999, quoting 46/52649/26.
Information can also be passed to officers on 01843 222289, quoting reference 03-0102, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.