The United Kingdom Metropolitan Police has charged one of the men arrested in connection with the stabbing that killed a Nigerian, John Onetufo, on New Year’s Eve in London’s Lewisham neighborhood with murder.
This was revealed in a statement acquired from the UK police website on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old Onetufo was discovered with stab wounds to his chest after placing a distress call to police.
Paramedics who arrived at the site are alleged to have done everything they could to save him, but he was pronounced dead on the scene.
Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Townsend, who led the investigation, has called to the public to come forward with any relevant information concerning the incident.
Townsend stated that the police would bring the criminals to justice.
“My team has worked relentlessly over recent days to pursue every line of inquiry, and I can confirm that two arrests have now been made in connection with this tragic incident.
“This is a significant development, but our investigation remains ongoing as we work to establish the full circumstances surrounding what happened.
“I want to extend my deepest sympathies to John’s family and friends. We remain committed to finding answers and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice,” Townsend was earlier quoted.
The statement noted that a 17-year-old boy, who could not be named because of his age, was charged with murder on Monday and is scheduled to appear at the Bromley Magistrates’ Youth Court.
The statement read, “A 17-year-old boy has been charged with murder following a fatal stabbing in Grove Street, Lewisham, on Wednesday, 31 December.
“The boy, who cannot be named because of his age, was charged with murder on Monday, 5 January. He will appear at Bromley Magistrates’ Youth Court on Monday, 5 January.”
The statement mentioned that two other suspects arrested alongside the teenager were granted bail pending the ongoing investigation.
“Along with the 17-year-old boy, a 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday, 2 January. He has since been bailed while inquiries continue.
“An 18-year-old woman was also arrested on Sunday, 4 January, on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. She has been bailed while inquiries continue,” the statement noted.
