Two teenagers have been sentenced to a combined 32 years behind bars for the brutal stabbing of 15-year-old Daejaun Campbell in Woolwich.
The horrific incident took place on September 22, when police were called to Eglington Road just after 6:30pm following reports of a stabbing.
Daejaun was stabbed multiple times and tragically died at the scene. Witnesses heard his desperate screams and rushed to help, but sadly it was too late to save him.
At the Old Bailey on October 6, 19-year-old Marko Balaz and 18-year-old Imri Doue, both from South London, faced trial for their roles in the attack.
Balaz initially denied involvement, but electronic tag data placed him at the crime scene. Meanwhile, texts from Doue’s phone revealed disturbing concerns about going to jail and dark jokes about his life “taking a massive turn.”
After a six-week trial, Balaz was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 11 years in prison. Doue was found guilty of murder and received a minimum sentence of 21 years. A third teenager charged in connection with the case was cleared.
Police investigation quickly tracked the getaway car linked to Balaz and Doue. Balaz was arrested at his home days after the stabbing and was found to be closely following news reports about Daejaun’s death online. The incriminating texts from Doue’s phone helped secure the convictions.
The tragic death of young Daejaun Campbell highlights the ongoing issue of violent crime affecting communities. While justice has been served, the Woolwich community remains deeply shaken by the loss.
Originally published by UKNIP.
