Family of Alex Innes release tribute – Oxford

The family of murder victim Alex Innes, who died following an incident in Jericho in November, have today released a tribute to him.

“This journey, to date, has undoubtedly been the worst thing someone can experience.

“That night, his last, will be etched on all our memories forever. No one should ever have to receive that call.  I would not wish this, as they say, on my worst enemy; we have none, and neither did Alex.

“Our hearts are broken and will be incomplete forever. This hasn’t just affected us as his parents: our children have lost their brother, our parents have lost their grandson, our brothers and sister have lost their nephew and his mates have lost a very loyal friend. 

“Although family events will never be the same and there will be a gap in every Christmas and birthday, we miss him every day. It doesn’t take a special occasion for us to remember that he’s not here.

“We often wake up and forget that he’s not here anymore. We go to bed at night and count our children in from work, or a night out: 1, 2, 3. We still do it, and it hits us all over again that there is no longer 3.

“We will forever miss his smile, his laugh, his lust for life in everything he did - Words will never be enough to explain how painful it is to lose Alex.

“While we navigate this incredibly hard time, we’d like to express our appreciation to those who have been there to support us. It has been a truly humbling experience and has given us strength to see this through for him.

“We will never be able to forgive any of this.  Why would anyone go out armed with a knife with no intention to use it? The law must change and better deterrents need to be put in place.

“Through all the speculation and hearsay, we are at peace and feel able to grieve knowing that justice has been served in some way.

“Cowards die many times before their death; the valiant never taste death but once.”

William Shakespeare

Alex Innes