The younger sibling of a victim in the Nottingham assaults spoke out about how the tragic event instantly aged him by five years. Charlie Webber, who was 15 at the time his brother Barnaby was killed by Valdo Calocane, expressed his desire to emulate his late brother’s qualities.
The nation was shocked by the deaths of three individuals in Nottingham at the hands of a man diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.
Charlie recounted the moment he learned about the attack three years ago, upon returning from a school trip, where he sensed something was amiss regarding his brother Barnaby, who was a student at Nottingham University.
Following the devastating news, Charlie’s world turned upside down, as he described the sudden aging effect the incident had on him.
Barnaby and another student, Grace O’Malley-Kumar, both 19 years old, along with school caretaker Ian Coates, 65, were fatally stabbed during the early hours of June 13, 2023.
The perpetrator, Calocane, a 31-year-old with a history of paranoid schizophrenia, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and attempted murder charges and is currently under an indefinite hospital order.
Charlie, now 18, recently completed his A-level exams and secured a place to study history at Cardiff University, the same subject his brother was pursuing. He expressed his intention to pursue a law conversion in the future.
Reflecting on his brother’s death, Charlie shared his journey of coping with the loss and his commitment to honoring Barnaby’s memory through the Barnaby Webber Foundation.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Charlie and his family, along with the families of the other victims, attended hearings in London as part of the Nottingham inquiry, which recently concluded with the findings set to be published next year.
Despite the emotional toll, Charlie remains focused on positive actions, actively engaging with the foundation and advocating for justice following Calocane’s sentencing.
Charlie emphasized the lasting impact of the loss on his family and himself, acknowledging the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing good moments.
He fondly recalled a memorable car journey with Barnaby shortly before his passing, highlighting the significance of their bond and shared conversations during that trip.
Charlie’s determination to carry on his brother’s legacy and support those facing challenges reflects his resilience and commitment to making a positive impact in honor of Barnaby.