The Metropolitan Police in the United Kingdom says it has charged a 17-year-old suspect with murder following the fatal stabbing of a Nigerian, John Onetufo, in the Lewisham area of London on New Year’s Eve.
The charge was disclosed in a statement published on the police website on Tuesday.
Onetufo, 23, was earlier reported to have been found with stab wounds to the chest after officers responded to a distress call. Paramedics tried to resuscitate him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Townsend, who is leading the investigation, had earlier appealed to members of the public to provide any information that could assist detectives, assuring that those responsible would be brought to justice.
“My team has worked relentlessly over recent days to pursue every line of enquiry,” she said, adding that two arrests had initially been made in connection with the incident.
Providing an update, police said the teenage suspect, whose identity is being withheld because of his age, was charged with murder on Monday and is expected to appear before the Bromley Magistrates’ Youth Court.
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The statement added that two other suspects arrested alongside the teenager had been granted bail pending further investigation.
According to police, a 23-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail, while an 18-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice has also been granted bail as enquiries continue.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
