Two men have been found guilty of manslaughter following the death of 34-year-old Justin Henry, whose body was discovered in the boot of a car in Purley weeks after he was reported missing.
Following an eight-week trial at Woolwich Crown Court, Lewis Benjamin, 30, of Waddon New Road, Croydon, and Jamal Ali-Richards, 29, of Thornlaw Road, Norwood, were both convicted of manslaughter on Thursday, 10 April. They were acquitted of murder.
The case centred around the mysterious disappearance of Justin Henry in October 2023. He was last seen alive on the evening of Sunday, 15 October, at a McDonald’s drive-thru in Croydon. CCTV then showed his vehicle arriving at Waddon New Road – the address of Lewis Benjamin – where it remained for more than two hours. It was later moved to another location, raising suspicions about his whereabouts.
Justin was reported missing by his family the following day when he failed to return home from visiting his girlfriend. Police launched a major investigation, declaring Benjamin’s flat a crime scene after finding blood spatters on the wall and a large section of missing carpet. That carpet, later found discarded in black plastic bags near the flat, was soaked in Justin’s blood.
Benjamin was arrested on 24 October. He attempted to flee into a garden and disposed of his phone before being detained. His phone data revealed contact with Justin prior to his disappearance. He initially refused to answer police questions.
Ali-Richards surrendered to police three days later and was charged with murder. As the investigation continued, police uncovered two vehicles that had been purchased by the suspects in the days after Justin’s death. One of the vehicles was parked off Dale Road in Purley. On 6 November, officers located Justin’s body in the boot.
The court heard how both men made extensive efforts to cover their tracks, deep-cleaning the flat, removing furniture and carpets, and placing false plates on newly acquired vehicles.
On 17 February 2025, Benjamin admitted to perverting the course of justice. Ali-Richards pleaded guilty to the same charge during the trial on 21 March 2025. While both denied murder, the jury found them guilty of manslaughter following the lengthy trial that began in February.
Detective Chief Inspector Craig Magee of the Met’s Specialist Crime Team praised the outcome:
“Benjamin and Ali-Richards went to great lengths to dispose of evidence and cover their tracks… The team worked tirelessly to piece together the evidence and establish the facts. I hope that today’s verdict will provide an opportunity for [Justin’s family] to begin rebuilding their lives.”
Justin’s death has had a “long-lasting and devastating impact” on his family and friends, Magee added.
Both men will return to Woolwich Crown Court for sentencing on Tuesday, 10 June 2025.
