Michelle Heeley KC, leading Holly Kilbey, were instructed to prosecute Deng Chol Majek, who was found guilty by a unanimous jury at Wolverhampton Crown Court of the murder of hotel worker Rhiannon Skye Whyte.
The fatal attack took place on 20 October 2023 at Bescot Stadium Railway Station in Walsall. Majek, who was living at a nearby hotel for asylum seekers, launched a ferocious and brutal attack on Ms Whyte, a worker at the same hotel, stabbing her with a screwdriver more than 23 times. 19 of those wounds were to her head. Ms Whyte was taken to hospital but sadly died three days later as a result of her injuries.
The case was investigated by the British Transport Police, whose officers conducted a meticulous investigation, drawing on CCTV footage, drone imagery and forensic experts.
Ms Heeley KC drew upon evidence of Majek staring at Ms Whyte in the hours before the attack. The prosecution was able to present a clear and compelling account of Majek’s movements before and after the attack. He was captured on CCTV following Ms Whyte to the train station and after leaving the scene, changing his footwear, and purchasing alcohol. The jury unanimously rejected his denial of responsibility.
The case attracted widespread national attention due to the senseless nature of the violence and lack of motive.
Sentencing was adjourned pending expert assessment to establish the defendant’s age.
https://news.sky.com/story/asylum-seeker-found-guilty-over-hotel-workers-murder-13454957
