In a tragic case that shocked the community, 20-year-old Godfrey Madondo has been found guilty of the murder of 19-year-old Jeremiah Sewell. The stabbing occurred during a chance encounter in Beckenham Place Park in the early hours of July 16 last year. Two women, Khelsi Johnson-Davies, 20, and Leah Simmonds, 20, were also implicated in attempting to cover up the crime.

The motive behind the murder, as stated by prosecutor Alan Kent KC, appeared to be the victim’s origin from Beckenham, as the assailant and his friends hailed from Peckham in south London. Kent informed the court that the fatal meeting took place in an otherwise deserted car park in the middle of the public park during the early morning hours.

After five hours of deliberation, a jury at the Old Bailey unanimously convicted Madondo of murder on Tuesday. Johnson-Davies was found guilty of perverting the course of justice, while Simmonds had already admitted to the charge. However, Kadjo Kadio, 19, from Romford Essex, was cleared of murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter.

During the trial, it was revealed that Jeremiah Sewell had spent the evening with friends at a home music studio on July 15 last year. In the early hours of July 16, they drove around in their cars until eventually parking in the car park at Beckenham Place Park, where they gathered to listen to music and chat.

Around 4:25 am, the defendants—Madondo, Johnson-Davies, and Simmonds—arrived in a black Vauxhall Astra. Kadio, who was known to Jeremiah, was recognized by the victim’s group and approached their car. Madondo, wearing a balaclava, followed suit. A question was posed to Jeremiah, asking about his origins, to which he replied that he was from Beckenham. Within seconds of his response, Madondo allegedly stabbed Jeremiah twice in the neck.

Madondo fled the scene but was apprehended the following day. During a police interview, he chose to remain silent. Johnson-Davies was later arrested at her Peckham residence, where a balaclava with Madondo’s DNA was discovered. Further investigations uncovered incriminating conversations between Johnson-Davies and Simmonds, in which they discussed washing Madondo’s bloodstained clothes at high temperatures.

Upon recovering a bin bag containing Madondo’s grey hoodie and jogging bottoms from communal bins near Simmonds’ home in Dulwich, south London, the police arrested her. The court has remanded Madondo into custody, and he awaits a mandatory life sentence when he returns for sentencing. Sentencing for the two women has been adjourned to a later date in August, and Johnson-Davies has been granted conditional bail.

The murder of Jeremiah Sewell has left a profound impact on the community, serving as a reminder of the devastating consequences of senseless violence. The court’s decision to hold those responsible accountable brings a measure of justice for Jeremiah’s grieving family and friends.