Valdo Calocane: A Tragic Case of Violence in Nottingham

“I will never forgive them. And I hope that they’re listening to part of this and rethinking their actions,” stated Emma Webber, mother of Barnaby Webber, reflecting the deep anguish felt by the families of the victims of Valdo Calocane.

On June 13, 2023, Calocane, a 19-year-old described as a paranoid schizophrenic, killed Grace O’Malley-Kumar, also 19, and Barnaby Webber in Nottingham. He subsequently stabbed 65-year-old caretaker Ian Coates, leading to a series of violent events that shocked the community.

In addition to the stabbings, Calocane ran over three pedestrians with a stolen van, further escalating the tragedy. His actions have raised serious questions about the police’s handling of the case, particularly regarding their failure to test him for drugs while in custody.

Sanjoy Kumar, Grace’s father, criticized the police, stating, “You had to sign them, but what was not highlighted was that this is a point in time where you are also signing to say that samples could be taken. That was absolutely not pointed out.” This sentiment was echoed by other family members who felt let down by law enforcement.

The families were outraged to learn that prosecutors intended to accept Calocane’s plea of guilty to manslaughter instead of murder, a decision that has left them feeling disrespected and unheard. David Webber, Barnaby’s father, expressed his frustration, saying, “In this case, they have let us down. And they have acted in a way that I think is abhorrent. I can’t forgive them for that because this is my son…”

Retired Nottinghamshire Police Detective Superintendent Leigh Sanders publicly apologized for not taking a hair sample from Calocane, a move that could have provided crucial evidence in the investigation.

Emma Webber described the police’s communication regarding her son’s injuries as “disgusting and grotesque,” highlighting the emotional toll this case has taken on the families involved.

As of January 2024, Calocane was detained indefinitely in a high-security hospital on the grounds of diminished responsibility. The inquiry into the attacks continues, with the families demanding accountability and justice.

The tragic events of that night have left a lasting impact on the Nottingham community, as families grapple with their loss and seek answers in the wake of such senseless violence.

Details remain unconfirmed.