Man Found Guilty of Murdering Zelous Smythe
Oliver Allerton, 27, homeless, was unanimously found guilty of murdering Zelous Smythe at Reading Crown Court today (20 May). The trial began on 1 May.
Victoria Quinton Cleared of Murder but Guilty of Manslaughter
Victoria Quinton, 21, from Wilwood, Priestwood, Bracknell, was acquitted of murder but convicted of manslaughter by the same jury.
Fatal Stabbing After Road Collision
On 5 November 2018, Zelous Smythe, 27, from Camberley, Surrey, was found dead in Nine Mile Ride with a fatal stab wound to his chest and defensive injuries to his hands. A knife was used in the attack. The tragic stabbing followed a collision involving Quinton’s car and Smythe.
Allerton, who owed Smythe money, stabbed him after the crash. Despite both knowing Smythe had been stabbed, neither called emergency services. Instead, they drove off, leaving Smythe to die at the scene.
Additional Charges and Investigation Praise
Both suspects were charged with murder days after the incident—Quinton on 5 November and Allerton on 6 November. Allerton also faces convictions for grievous bodily harm without intent and knife possession, linked to an earlier 6 October incident in Reeds Hill, Bracknell, where a man in his twenties was slashed and required medical treatment.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Sally Spencer said, “Our thoughts are with Zelous’s family and friends. He died from a single stab wound and was left to die by Allerton and Quinton, who neither called for help nor stayed to assist.
I want to thank the public and witnesses who provided crucial CCTV footage and information that helped secure these convictions.”
Sentencing for Allerton and Quinton is scheduled for a later date.
