The United Kingdom’s Metropolitan Police have charged a 17-year-old boy with m¥rder in connection with the fatal sta+bing of a Nigerian man, John Onetufo, in the Lewisham area of London on New Year’s Eve.
The charge was confirmed in a statement published on the Metropolitan Police website on Tuesday. According to earlier reports, Onetufo, 23, was discovered with st+b wo¥nds to his chest after police responded to a distress call. Despite efforts by paramedics to save his life, he was pronounced d+ad at the scene.
Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Townsend, who is leading the investigation, said two arrests had been made in connection with the incident and assured the public that investigators were pursuing all available lines of enquiry.
“My team has worked relentlessly over recent days to pursue every line of enquiry, and I can confirm that two arrests have now been made in connection with this tragic incident,” Townsend said, adding that the investigation remains ongoing. She also extended her sympathies to the victim’s family and friends.
Providing an update, police confirmed that the 17-year-old suspect, whose identity has been withheld due to his age, was formally charged with murder on Monday, January 5. He is expected to appear before the Bromley Magistrates’ Youth Court.
The police statement said: “A 17-year-old boy has been charged with murder following a fatal sta+bing in Grove Street, Lewisham, on Wednesday, 31 December.”
Two other suspects arrested in connection with the case have been released on bail. A 23-year-old man arrested on suspicion of m¥rder on Friday, January 2, and an 18-year-old woman arrested on Sunday, January 4, on suspicion of perverting the course of justice, were both granted bail pending further investigations.
Police say enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident are continuing.he investigation, said two arrests had been made in connection with the incident and assured the public that investigators were pursuing all available lines of enquiry.
