Cousin Murder Shock: Jerome Bailey Found Guilty of Killing Tesfa Campbell
A man has been convicted of murdering his own cousin in a deadly knife attack. Jerome Bailey, 38, from Teddington, was found guilty of fatally stabbing 40-year-old Tesfa Campbell in Battersea in July 2019, following a tense two-week trial at Croydon Crown Court.
Fatal Stabbing in Battersea
The court heard that at 2:45pm on Wednesday, 3 July 2019, Bailey stabbed Tesfa in the abdomen on Latchmere Road. Tesfa, who was either heading to or from the gym as part of his daily routine, later died in hospital from his injuries.
Bailey had travelled all the way from Teddington to Battersea to meet Tesfa. The motive for the deadly rendezvous remains a mystery.
CCTV Footage Leads to Arrest
Detectives quickly identified Bailey as the killer thanks to CCTV footage. The cameras caught the cousins walking together two minutes before the stabbing. Tesfa was filmed carrying a bright yellow drawstring bag — which disappeared when he collapsed. Bailey was later seen on camera fleeing with the same distinctive yellow bag.
Just four days after the murder, police arrested Bailey at his Victor Road home. A search of the property uncovered two identical yellow bags in the garden, with the Oyster card Bailey used on the journey from Teddington to Battersea found stuffed in one of them.
Family Feud Turns Deadly
Previously close, the cousins’ relationship had soured. Tesfa had confided to family he was ready to “cut off” contact with Bailey, who had often relied on Tesfa’s support, including financial help in the past.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Harding said: “I am pleased with the unanimous guilty verdict. Sadly, we still don’t know why a meeting between two cousins ended with Tesfa losing his life at the hands of family.”
“This tragic incident will haunt Tesfa’s family and friends. I hope the verdict helps them close this heartbreaking chapter.”
“I also want to thank the public who helped with the investigation and those who stopped to assist after the attack.”
Bailey will be sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on a later date.
