HOW the Shakilus Townsend case unfolded:

July 3, 2008: Shakilus Townsend is repeatedly stabbed in Beluah Crescent, Thornton Heath, at around 1.45pm after being seen chased by a group of hooded youths.

July 4, 2008: Shakilus dies in St George’s Hospital, Tooting, as the stab wounds have cut through his liver and several arteries. He bleeds to death.

July 4, 2008: Police release a description of the gang who they believe murdered Shakilus.

July 5, 2008: Shakilus' parents thank 47-year-old mother-of-four Sharon Simpson for her desperate attempts to save the teenager's life after he collapsed outside her home.

July 6, 2008: Four male youths and a young girl are arrested in connection with the killing.

July 7, 2008: A massive anti-gang offensive is launched by Croydon police to stamp out possible revenge attacks following the teenager's murder.

July 10, 2008: Four of the five suspects are charged with the teenager's murder.

July 10, 2008: A sixth teenager is arrested in connection with the killing.

July 11, 2008: A fifth teenager is charged with murdering Shakilus.

July 13, 2008: A sixth teenager is charged with murder.

July 14, 2008: Shakilus' mother Nicola Dyer warns other teens to stay away from knives and gangs and to “not end up like our son”.

March 5, 2009: Police release a photo of another suspect in the murder case.

March 19, 2008: A seventh teenager is arrested in connection with the killing.

March 23, 2008: The teenager is charged with murder.

April 15, 2009: Seven teenagers go on trial accused of murdering Shakilus.

July 8: All seven accused are found guilty of murder. They will be sentenced in September.