A man named Kyiza Sandiford, who is 24 years old and from Merton, was found guilty of the murder of 22-year-old Keelen Wong in Brixton last October. Detective Inspector Kevin Martin from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command expressed his condolences to Keelen’s family and friends, stating that the conviction of Sandiford brings a small sense of justice for the tragic loss they have suffered.
The incident occurred in broad daylight on Coldharbour Lane, where Keelen was fatally stabbed. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he passed away at the scene. Through extensive CCTV investigations, Sandiford was identified as the perpetrator, as he had injured himself during the attack and left a blood trail that led back to him.
Initially, Sandiford claimed that his injuries were from punching a window, but the police were able to match his blood to the scene of the crime. Additionally, a sheath recovered at the crime scene was also linked to him, leading to his arrest the day after the murder.
While two teenagers were acquitted of the murder charge, one of them, a 16-year-old, was found guilty of possession of an offensive weapon. Both the teenager and Sandiford are awaiting sentencing at the Old Bailey on November 22.
The brutal nature of Keelen’s murder and the subsequent investigation that led to Sandiford’s conviction have deeply affected the community. The police officers and specialists involved in the case put in tireless efforts to ensure that justice was served. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the senseless violence that can occur and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
The sentencing of Sandiford and the teenager will hopefully bring some closure to Keelen’s loved ones, as they continue to cherish his memory while knowing that those responsible for his death have been brought to justice. The impact of such a loss reverberates throughout the community, emphasizing the need for safety measures and vigilance against such acts of violence.
