The victim of a fatal stabbing in Hackney has been named as 20-year-old Jason Junior Romeo, as detectives continue to investigate what is believed to be a gang-related killing.
Police were called to Bodney Road, E5, at 5:59 PM on Tuesday, February 18, following reports of an altercation. Officers, along with paramedics from the London Ambulance Service, found Jason suffering from a stab wound. Despite their best efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigation Underway as Two Arrested
Two men in their 20s have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in police custody as the investigation continues.
Detective Superintendent Kelly Allen, leading the inquiry, expressed her condolences to Jason’s family. “Jason had his whole life ahead of him, but this senseless attack has taken that from both him and his loved ones. Our continued thoughts go out to his family, who are being supported by specialist officers,” she said.
DS Allen urged witnesses to come forward, particularly anyone who may have recorded the incident or its aftermath. “If anyone saw this incident or was nearby, please do share that information with officers. We are especially interested in any footage from the surrounding area.”
The public can contact the police by calling 101, quoting reference CAD 5635/18Feb, or can reach out anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
A Community Shaken by Knife Crime
Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, who oversees policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, described the incident as “devastating” for Jason’s family and the local community.
“It is absolutely devastating for Jason’s family and extremely distressing for our communities that another young life has been taken away as a consequence of knife crime,” DCS Conway said. “We continue to work closely with our local community partners and Hackney Council to tackle the causes and effects of knife crime.”
Conway also issued a direct appeal to young people in the community: “If any young person feels they need to carry a knife, please speak to a parent, carer, teacher, youth leader, or any adult you trust. We can get you the support needed to step away from that decision safely.”
Increased Police Presence and Ongoing Investigation
In the wake of the stabbing, forensic teams remain at the crime scene on Bodney Road, and a police cordon is expected to stay in place until their work concludes.
To reassure the community and deter further violence, additional uniformed and plain-clothed officers have been deployed in the area. Police are working diligently to understand the motive behind the attack, which is currently suspected to be linked to gang-related activity.
“While the investigation continues to uncover the circumstances of this attack, we are working tirelessly to reduce the risk of any further violence,” DCS Conway added.
A Growing Concern Over Knife Crime
Jason’s tragic death marks yet another young life lost to knife crime in London, intensifying calls for action to combat the epidemic. Community leaders, activists, and residents have expressed outrage over the ongoing violence and are demanding more resources for prevention programs and youth support.
The police continue to appeal to the public for any information that could help bring those responsible for Jason’s death to justice.
“Your information could make the difference in solving this case and preventing another family from going through the same heartbreak,” DS Allen said.
As Hackney mourns another victim of knife crime, the community is left grappling with the devastating impact of violence that continues to claim young lives.
