Crack Dealer Found Guilty of Brutal Stomping Murder
Romayne Husbands, 28, homeless and dangerous, has been found guilty of a savage assault that left 27-year-old Jay John dead. The verdict came after a four-week trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday, 21 July.
Unprovoked Attack Outside Flats
On 25 April 2020, around 12:30pm, Jay John was standing outside a block of flats in Trinity Close, E8, when Husbands suddenly punched him in the face. Witnesses said Husbands then stamped on Jay’s upper body four to six times. Jay was knocked unconscious and left bleeding on the pavement.
Emergency services rushed Jay to hospital with serious head injuries, including a fractured eye socket and multiple cuts and bruises. Tragically, he died the following day from his wounds.
Drug Dealer Linked to Scene by Blood and Cocaine
Husbands was arrested near the scene shortly after the attack. Police found him in a nearby flat where he had dumped 59 grams of cocaine. Blood on his trainers also linked him directly to Jay’s assault.
Husbands admitted possession with intent to supply crack cocaine at the start of the trial. His sentencing date is still to be announced.
Detective’s Tribute to Brave Witnesses
“This was an extremely violent assault by Romayne Husbands in which he stamped on Mr John numerous times, leaving him for dead. I would like to express my gratitude to the members of the public who witnessed the harrowing event and had the courage to attend court and give evidence. Without your assistance this conviction would not have been possible.
“Romayne Husbands is a drug dealer which I believe accounts for his presence at the scene on that day and, to some extent, his erratic and violent behaviour.
“Finally, I would like to express my condolences to Mr John’s family and friends, our thoughts are with you and I hope you can find some closure now the legal proceedings have come to an end.”
Detective Sergeant Ben Dalloway, Met’s Specialist Crime Command
