Two men convicted of manslaughter

Two men have been convicted of manslaughter following the death of 34-year-old Justin Henry in Croydon.

Lewis Benjamin, 30 (29.03.1994) of Waddon New Road, Croydon and Jamal Ali-Richards, 29 (20.10.1995) of Thornlaw Road, Norwood appeared at Woolwich Crown Court on Thursday, 10 April 2025, where following an eight-week-trial, they were both convicted of manslaughter. They were found not guilty of murder.

The court heard that while Justin had been reported missing, Benjamin and Ali-Richards were discarding of his body and attempting to clean up evidence of his death.

Detective Chief Inspector Craig Magee of the Met’s Specialist Crime Team who led the investigation said:

"Justin’s disappearance prompted a complex and extensive investigation.

“Today’s verdict is testament to the painstaking efforts of the investigation team. Benjamin and Ali-Richards went to great lengths to dispose of evidence and cover their tracks, which included significant attempts to dispose of Justin’s body. Despite these efforts, the team worked tirelessly to piece together the evidence and establish the facts.

“The loss of Justin continues to have a long lasting and devastating impact on his family and friends. Throughout the investigation and trial, the strength and resilience shown by them has been extraordinary. I hope that today’s verdict will provide an opportunity for them to begin rebuilding their lives."

Justin was reported missing on Monday, 16 October 2023 as he never returned home after he left his girlfriend’s house the evening before.

CCTV enquiries showed Justin was last seen alive buying food at McDonald’s drive-thru in Croydon on Sunday, 15 October before driving to Waddon New Road, where Benjamin lived. Justin’s car stayed for over two hours and was then moved to Kingswood Drive a 19 minute drive away, it is believed that Justin had sadly died by this point and someone else had moved his vehicle.

The location of Justin’s car highlighted Lewis Benjamin, who lived on Waddon New Road, as a suspect. His friend, Jamal Ali-Richards was also determined as a suspect.

When officers arrived at Lewis Benjamin’s address, it had been cleared of most furniture and the carpet had been ripped up and removed. The flat also appeared to have been recently deep-cleaned. Police declared the flat as a crime scene and forensic officers were called to the property, they located small spatters of blood on the walls.

Less than 100 metres from the address, officers located black plastic bags which contained a section of heavily blood soaked carpet. When tested, the blood from the address and the carpet was matched to Justin Henry.

Benjamin was arrested on 24 October 2023. When officers arrived at this address, he ran into the back garden, throwing his phone away before being detained and arrested. When his phone was analysed, it showed that Benjamin had been in contact with Justin Henry prior to his disappearance.

In interview, he refused to answer any questions. Despite this, he was charged on 25 October 2023 with murder.

Ali-Richards handed himself into police and was arrested on 27 October 2023. He was subsequently charged with murder on 29 October.

Officers continued to analyse CCTV footage and other information. On Monday, 6 November officers located one of two cars the defendants had bought in the days following the murder and placed false number plates on. This car was parked off Dale Road in Purley. When forensic officers arrived, Justin’s body was located in the boot.

On 17 February 2025, Lewis Benjamin pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice following his attempts to disguise his actions and dispose of evidence. On 21 March 2025, during the trial, Jamal Ali-Richards also pleaded guilty to this. Both men pleaded not guilty to murder, but following an eight-week trial which began on 17 February 2025, they were both convicted of manslaughter.

DCI Craig Magee added: “Today’s verdict sends a clear message that we will work tirelessly to hold those who commit such crimes to account.”

Ali-Richards and Benjamin will appear at Woolwich Crown Court on Tuesday, 10 June 2025 for sentencing.