The parents of Henry Nowak have spoken publicly about their fight for justice following the release of the ITV documentary Dear Henry: Our Fight for Justice. The programme, broadcast on November 5, 2026, examined the circumstances surrounding the 18-year-old student’s murder in Southampton and the treatment he received from police officers during his final moments. Henry Nowak’s parents are Mark Nowak and Lucy Ross, while his stepmother, Katie Nowak, has also played a central role in the family’s campaign for accountability.

Henry’s family has accused authorities of providing misleading information about what happened after he was stabbed. Their public statements have raised serious questions about the police response, the handling of evidence, and whether opportunities were missed to save his life.

Who Are Henry Nowak’s Parents?

Henry Nowak was born to Mark Nowak and Lucy Ross, who separated when he was young. Following their divorce, Henry grew up surrounded by members of a blended family who remained closely involved in his upbringing.

His father, Mark, later married Katie Nowak, who became Henry’s stepmother when he was approximately five years old.

Despite the changes in his family circumstances, Henry maintained relationships with both sides of his family. He was remembered as a cheerful, adventurous young man who enjoyed football, spending time with his siblings, and making people laugh.

Henry also had an older sister, Olivia Nowak, who has spoken emotionally about their close relationship. His wider family includes younger siblings from his father’s second marriage.

Following his murder, Mark, Lucy, Katie, and Olivia united in seeking answers about how authorities treated Henry during the emergency.

Father Mark Nowak

Mark Nowak is Henry’s father and has become one of the most prominent voices questioning the actions of the police officers who responded to his son’s stabbing.

In interviews released during November 2026, Mark described how the information given to the family changed repeatedly as the investigation progressed.

Initially, the family understood that police had provided first aid when they arrived. They subsequently learned that Henry had been detained, handcuffed, and arrested despite suffering life-threatening injuries.

Mark said these changing explanations left the family feeling misled.

He has also expressed deep frustration that his son was initially portrayed as the aggressor, even after authorities knew he had been fatally injured.

Beyond his criticism of police procedures, Mark has shared personal memories of Henry’s childhood. He described his son as energetic, adventurous, and eager to experience new activities.

His public campaign focuses on establishing what happened during Henry’s final moments and ensuring that similar failures are not repeated.

Mother Lucy Ross

Lucy Ross is Henry Nowak’s biological mother and has spoken about the devastating moment officers arrived at her home to tell her that her son had been killed.

During an emotional interview, Lucy recalled police visiting her house shortly after midnight. Her daughter Olivia noticed the officers at the door before Lucy received the news.

Lucy has also questioned why Henry’s repeated requests for medical assistance were not taken seriously.

According to her account, Henry told officers several times that he had been stabbed and was struggling to breathe.

She was particularly distressed by footage showing an officer appearing to doubt his injuries.

Lucy has chosen not to watch the recording of Henry’s final moments, explaining that hearing her son’s voice pleading for help would be unbearable.

She has also rejected attempts to turn Henry’s murder into a wider political argument, emphasizing that her family’s priority is understanding what happened to him.

For Lucy, the campaign remains deeply personal. She wants accountability for the treatment her son received rather than political attention surrounding the case.

Stepmother Katie Nowak

Katie Nowak became part of Henry’s life when he was five years old and developed a close relationship with him throughout his childhood.

She has described meeting Henry as an immediate emotional connection and has spoken warmly about the family they built together.

Following his murder, Katie joined Mark in publicly questioning the police investigation and the information provided to relatives.

She expressed particular concern about the delay before the family was able to view footage recorded by officers at the scene.

Katie explained that watching the video was another devastating experience because it revealed details the family had not previously understood.

She has questioned whether decisions surrounding the investigation were influenced by concerns about protecting the reputation of the police.

Her comments have become an important part of the family’s campaign for transparency.

Sister Olivia Nowak

Henry’s older sister, Olivia Nowak, has also spoken publicly about the close bond she shared with her younger brother.

She remembered Henry as funny, protective, and someone who regularly made ordinary family moments entertaining.

The siblings enjoyed filming TikTok videos, singing together, and sharing jokes. Olivia described Henry as her best friend.

In an emotional interview, she revealed that she keeps some of his clothing in his bedroom because the familiar smell provides comfort.

Olivia has also supported the family’s calls for answers while speaking against violent protests that followed the release of police footage.

Her recollections have helped show the public a more personal side of Henry beyond the circumstances of his murder.