Man jailed for murdering Jason Romeo in Clapton

A man has been jailed for murder following the death of a 20-year-old man in Clapton, after CCTV identified him and a media appeal prompted his surrender.

This case highlights the devastation of knife crime, which rips families apart and has lasting implications across communities. The Met has once again reaffirmed its commitment to tacking serious violence, targeting dangerous offenders and taking weapons from London’s streets.

Raynolph Asante, 22 (13.03.02) of Vanguard Street, Deptford, was sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, 30 January to life imprisonment to serve a minimum of 21 years.

He was previously found guilty of murder on Thursday, 18 December, following a trial at the same court.

Met detectives launched an investigation after Jason was fatally stabbed outside an address in Bodney Road, Clapton, following an altercation.

As CCTV footage of the actual offence was limited, detectives widened their enquiries to include vehicles attending the scene. This, alongside detailed analysis of phone data, led to Asante being identified as a person of interest.

Warrants were executed and houses searched, uncovering further evidence, although the suspects initially remained outstanding. Police then made the decision to name Asante in a media appeal and release his photograph, resulting in him handing himself in.

He was arrested three days after Jason’s death and charged on Sunday, 23 February.

The court heard how 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.

Detective Superintendent Kelly Allen, who led the investigation, said: “My team worked tirelessly to secure today’s outcome, meticulously analysing CCTV footage and pursuing a public appeal that was vital in identifying Asante.

“On the night in question, Raynolph Asante chose to respond with deadly force, gathering others to confront Jason and ultimately stabbing him in the street. There is absolutely no justification for such violence.

“While no sentence can undo the pain Jason’s loved ones live with, we hope today’s result brings them some measure of comfort as they continue to grieve.”

Jason’s mother added: “I am grateful for the jury for making the right decision and now we can have closure from the sentence given and have time to grieve.”

Four other men were charged with murder and found not guilty. They are Joshua Ogedengbe, 19 (02.08.05) of Brownhill Road, SE6, Travis Mitchell, 22 (23.07.02) of Bodney Road, Hackney, Rhamyah Bailey-Edwards, 21 (21.08.03) of Williams Avenue, Walthamstow and Renaldo Roberts, 26 (20.02.1999) of Hobbs Place Estate, Islington.