Dad with a ‘Heart of Gold’ Learned He Was Cancer-Free. Months Later, He Was Shot Dead, Likely by Mistake

Three men have been found guilty in connection with the fatal shooting of Dale “Brett” Stogden, 50, at a bus stop in Wakefield, England, in August 2025. This tragic incident, which police believe involved a case of mistaken identity, shocked the local community and left Stogden’s family heartbroken.

Stogden, a father of two and a recent survivor of lung cancer, was gunned down on the evening of August 12. Around 9:43 PM local time, officers from West Yorkshire Police received reports of a shooting at a bus stop. Upon arriving at the scene, they discovered Stogden suffering from a gunshot wound. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries later that night at a nearby hospital.

In the aftermath of the shooting, police investigations led to the identification of Leyton Davies, 28, as the individual who fired the fatal shot from the passenger seat of a stolen Toyota RAV4. Alongside him were accomplices Adam Ahmed, 21, and Marc Carter, 20. As the investigation unfolded, it became apparent that the trio had been searching for two men who were with Stogden at the time of the attack, indicating that he was likely not their intended target.

Following a two-week trial, Davies was convicted of murder on March 12, 2026, while Ahmed and Carter were found guilty of manslaughter. Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle, the Senior Investigating Officer, addressed the media, stating that the killing of Stogden was a tragic miscalculation. “While Brett was not the intended target, it is important to note that this does not lessen the pain and suffering endured by his family and friends,” he remarked.

Stogden’s daughters, Alyssa and Piper, were left devastated by their loss. In an emotional interview shortly after the incident, they described their father as a “gentle giant” with a “heart of gold.” Both young women reflected on his recent battle with cancer, sharing that he had received the all-clear just months before his death in February 2025. Their poignant statements highlighted the deep bond they shared and the void his passing has left in their lives.

“He got the all-clear in February, and now he is gone because of one vicious, cruel act,” Alyssa remarked, illustrating the chilling reality of losing a loved one to violence. Piper added, “We will always remember Dad as the kindest and the funniest person in the world.” Their heartfelt tribute underscored the profound impact Stogden had on their lives.

Family friend Diana Green expressed sympathy for the sisters, noting the immense heartache they were experiencing. “They were at an age where they were starting to truly connect with him, and their lives are now forever changed,” she said. The tragic circumstances surrounding Stogden’s death have resonated deeply within the community, drawing many to reflect on his life and the apparent injustices that led to his untimely demise.

This case continues to serve as a grim reminder of the far-reaching consequences of gun violence, a concern that has increasingly troubled many in the UK. The effectiveness of local law enforcement in addressing such grave issues remains a topic of discussion within the community. The fury of the attack has spurred renewed debates surrounding public safety and the measures needed to curb such violent crimes.

In light of this tragedy, community members and local organisations have rallied together, offering support to Stogden’s family during this challenging time. The outpouring of love and remembrance highlights the legacy he leaves behind—a legacy cherished by those who knew him well.

As the judicial process draws to a close with convictions handed down, many hope it will not only bring some measure of justice to Stogden’s family but also serve as a catalyst for change in tackling the issues of violence that plague communities across the nation.