Two teenagers sentenced following the death of Daejaun Campbell

Two teenagers have been sentenced to a combined total of 32 years following the fatal stabbing of 15-year-old Daejaun Campbell in Woolwich.

Marko Balaz, 19 (20.12.2005) from South London and Imri Doue, 18 (22.08.2007) of South London appeared at the Old Bailey on Monday, 6 October where they were sentenced for killing Daejaun Campbell.

Daejaun Campbell was just 15-years-old when he was fatally stabbed on Eglington Road, SE18 on Sunday, 22 September 2024.

Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn, who led the investigation said: “Today’s sentencing concludes an emotional investigation into the murder of Daejaun.

“I commend the courage of Daejuan’s family, who have spoken out following Daejaun’s death around the devastation that knife violence causes.”

On Sunday, 22 September, the police were called to Eglington Road shortly after 18:30hrs following reports of a stabbing. Witnesses heard Daejaun calling for help before bravely running to help him.

Daejaun had suffered multiple stab wounds and sadly died at the scene.

A murder investigation commenced, quickly identifying a car which Balaz and the boy used to arrive at the scene.

Balaz was arrested at his home address on 25 September where he denied any involvement, claimed to have been at home during the offence and denied any prior knowledge of Daejaun or his murder. Balaz was, however wearing an electronically monitored tag which demonstrated he was lying and had travelled to Eglinton Road at the time of the murder.

Further searches found that Balaz had repeatedly read online news articles relating to Daejaun’s death.

Doue was arrested on 27 September. His phone was analysed and messages were found which showed he was worried about spending 20 years in prison after killing someone and joking with friends that his life was “about to take a massive turn”.

Balaz, Doue and another man were charged with murder. Following a six-week trial, which concluded on 30 July, Balaz was found guilty of manslaughter and Doue was found guilty of murder. The third teenager was found not guilty.

They appeared at the Old Bailey on Monday, 6 October, where Doue was sentenced to a minimum of 21 years in prison and Balaz was sentenced to 11 years.

DCI Kate Blackburn added: “These two young men were willing to carry a machete and use it to attack and kill Daejaun, a 15-year-old boy. Nothing can bring Daejaun back and his family have to now face the reality of life without him.

“This entirely avoidable situation has ruined the lives of three young men.”