Brother Stabs Birthday Party Guest Dead in Shocking London Attack
Dwight Junior Freeman, 19, of Tyers Street, SE11, was sentenced at the Old Bailey on Monday, 9 August. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter over the brutal killing of his half-brother Jahreau Shepherd, following a violent stabbing at a birthday party in Kennington.
Birthday Bash Turns Fatal
On the evening of 11 July 2020, Jahreau was celebrating his 30th birthday in Venn Park, Kennington. Around 60 guests, including Freeman, attended the party. Witnesses saw Freeman approach Jahreau just after 10pm, wielding two large knives before launching a savage attack.
Jahreau tried to flee, running towards Vauxhall Street. He tripped on the stairs leading out of the park and was stabbed multiple times by Freeman, who had chased him. Freeman also slashed a 26-year-old man in the chest as he attempted to intervene. Thankfully, the second victim survived.
Manhunt Ends in Arrest
Police and London Ambulance paramedics rushed to the scene but could not save Jahreau, who was pronounced dead. Detectives launched a murder probe and tracked Freeman to Newquay, where he was arrested five days later on 16 July 2020.
He was initially charged with murder, attempted murder, and possession of an offensive weapon. The attempted murder charge was later downgraded to wounding with intent, and the weapon charge was laid on file.
Mental Health and Tragic Loss
Consultant forensic psychiatrists testified Freeman was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia during the attack, severely impairing his understanding of his actions. Freeman pleaded guilty on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
“This is a truly tragic case in which a family have essentially lost two of their loved ones,” said Detective Sergeant Ben Dalloway.
“Jahreau was celebrating his 30th birthday with music and a barbecue surrounded by loved ones. His life was cut short in an extremely violent manner that shocked all those present.”
“He was well loved locally and in the mixed martial arts community, where he was a champion fighter.”
“My sincere condolences go to Jahreau’s family and friends. Thanks also to the witnesses who helped the investigation, especially those whose quick actions saved the second victim’s life.”
An 18-year-old man arrested during the probe was later released with no further action.
