New Documentary Explores Teen Zombie Knife Murder

Published: 14 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

A powerful new documentary examining the fatal stabbing of a teenager at a house party has been released, aiming to confront what its makers describe as the increasingly normalised culture of knife carrying among young people in the UK. At the heart of the film is the voice of a grieving mother, determined to turn personal tragedy into a warning for others.

Hayley Ryall, from Kingswood near Bristol, lost her 16-year-old son Mikey Roynon in June 2023 after he was stabbed in the neck with a zombie-style knife during a party in Bath. The single wound, measuring just 9.5 centimetres, proved fatal. Since then, Ryall says her life has been permanently altered, driven by grief but also by a growing determination to speak out.

The documentary, made in collaboration with television presenter Laura Whitmore, explores not only the circumstances surrounding Mikey’s death but also the wider social environment in which such violence has become more common. Ryall said she felt compelled to make the film after realising how routine knife carrying had become for some teenagers, often without a full understanding of the devastating consequences.

“People sometimes ask why I do this, why I keep talking about it,” Ryall said. “But it’s the only way I can speak to the world and tell them how I really feel. A broken heart truly hurts, and you will never know until you have lost a child.”

The film follows Ryall as she revisits the events leading up to the night Mikey was killed, while also meeting families, campaigners and young people affected by knife crime. Through candid interviews and emotional testimony, it paints a stark picture of how rapidly ordinary social gatherings can turn deadly when weapons are involved.

Mikey Roynon was described by his family as a bright, kind-hearted teenager with a passion for music and an easy smile. On the night of the attack, he had attended what was meant to be a social gathering among peers. Instead, the presence of a zombie knife — a weapon characterised by its long blade and aggressive design — transformed the event into a scene of fatal violence.

Zombie-style knives have come under increased scrutiny in recent years, with critics arguing that their appearance glamorises violence and appeals to young people seeking status or protection. Despite calls from campaigners and police, such weapons have remained relatively accessible, raising concerns about enforcement and regulation.

The documentary does not focus solely on the crime itself, but on the ripple effects left behind. Ryall speaks openly about the emotional toll of losing her son, describing a grief that is constant and overwhelming. She says the pain of waking up each day without Mikey has become a permanent part of her life, one she carries into every conversation and every public appearance.

Presenter Laura Whitmore, who worked closely with Ryall on the project, said the film was designed to humanise the statistics often cited in discussions about knife crime. “Behind every number is a family that has been destroyed,” Whitmore said. “Hayley’s courage in opening up her life to the camera forces us to confront the real cost of these weapons.”

The documentary also examines how social pressures, fear and misconceptions contribute to knife carrying among teenagers. Interviews with young people reveal that some view knives as a form of self-defence, while others see them as symbols of power or belonging. Ryall argues that these beliefs are deeply flawed and often reinforced by social media, music and peer influence.

“Kids think carrying a knife will keep them safe,” she said. “But the truth is, it puts everyone in danger, including themselves.”

Knife crime remains a significant concern across England and Wales, with recent data showing a persistent rise in offences involving blades among under-25s. High-profile cases, including Mikey’s, have intensified calls for tougher legislation, better education and earlier intervention.

The UK government has previously pledged to crack down on the sale and possession of dangerous weapons, including zombie knives. Proposed measures have included stricter age verification, enhanced police powers and harsher penalties for those caught carrying blades. However, campaigners argue that legislation alone is not enough.

The documentary highlights the importance of education and community engagement, suggesting that schools, parents and youth services all have a role to play in changing attitudes. Ryall says she hopes the film will reach teenagers directly, forcing them to consider the irreversible consequences of carrying a weapon, even “just in case”.

One of the most striking moments in the documentary comes when Ryall addresses young viewers directly, urging them to think about their families before making choices that could end lives. Her message is not one of anger, but of sorrow and warning.

“I don’t want another mother to sit where I sit,” she says. “I don’t want another family to go through this.”

The film also explores the justice process following Mikey’s death, examining how the criminal justice system responds to youth violence. While Ryall avoids focusing on blame, she speaks candidly about her frustrations and the emotional strain of navigating court proceedings while grieving.

Experts featured in the documentary say the case reflects a broader societal challenge, where violence is often the result of cumulative failures, including lack of support services, community breakdown and the normalisation of aggressive behaviour. They argue that preventing knife crime requires long-term investment, not just reactive policing.

Despite the heavy subject matter, the documentary also seeks to honour Mikey’s memory by showing who he was beyond the headlines. Home videos, photographs and anecdotes reveal a teenager full of promise, reinforcing the sense of loss felt not only by his family, but by a community robbed of a young life.

For Ryall, the project has been emotionally exhausting but necessary. She says speaking publicly about her son helps keep his memory alive and gives meaning to her grief. While the pain has not lessened, she believes that using her voice may help save lives.

“A broken heart truly hurts,” she said. “And you will never understand that pain until you’ve lost a child. If this documentary makes even one young person stop and think, then Mikey’s life will continue to matter.”

As knife crime continues to dominate headlines, the documentary arrives as a stark reminder that behind every incident is a family forever changed. Through personal loss and public advocacy, Ryall’s story challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about violence, responsibility and the choices faced by young people today.