A man has been convicted of murder following the death of a 20-year-old man in Clapton, after CCTV identified him and a media appeal prompted his surrender.
Following a trial at the Old Bailey which concluded on Thursday, December 18, Raynolph Asante, 22, of Pembury Road, Hackney, was found guilty of killing Jason Romeo on Tuesday, February 18.
Detectives launched an investigation after Jason was fatally stabbed outside an address in Bodney Road, Clapton, following an altercation.
Due to limited CCTV footage of the incident, detectives expanded their inquiries to include vehicles that attended the scene. This, in conjunction with thorough analysis of phone data, led to Asante being identified as a person of interest.
Warrants were executed, and properties were searched, uncovering additional evidence; however, the suspects initially remained at large. The police subsequently decided to name Asante in a media appeal and released his photograph, which resulted in him turning himself in.
He was arrested three days after Jason’s death and charged on Sunday, February 23.
The court was informed that Asante murdered Jason as an act of retaliation for an earlier violent confrontation between them that evening, which stemmed from a dispute over a girl.
Jason’s family expressed: “The last ten months have been the most difficult of our lives but we are so relieved that today we have got justice for Jason. Jason will always be remembered, forever missed and, as I used to tell him every day, always be loved.”
Detective Superintendent Kelly Allen, who led the investigation, stated: „This was a senseless act of violence that cost a young man his life. Jason Romeo was just 20 years old, and his family and friends are now left to face the devastating impact of his loss.
“During a confrontation, Raynolph Asante chose to retaliate with deadly force, gathering others to confront Jason and ultimately stabbing him in the street. There is no justification for such brutality.
“My team worked tirelessly, analysing CCTV of vehicles and pursuing a media appeal to identify the suspect. Our thoughts remain with Jason’s loved ones, and we hope today’s verdict brings them some measure of comfort.”
Four other men were charged with murder but were found not guilty. They are Joshua Ogedengbe, 19, of Brownhill Road, SE6, Travis Mitchell, 22, of Bodney Road, Hackney, and Rhamyah Bailey-Edwards, 21, of Williams Avenue, Walthamstow.
Asante is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday, January 23, 2026.
Bildquelle: Bildquelle: Francois Olwage auf Unsplash
