Life for Man Who Killed Innocent Tyrese in Revenge Shooting
Denzel Kwateng, 22, has been handed life behind bars, with a minimum of 16 years, for the manslaughter of Tyrese Miller, 22. The fatal shooting happened in Mitcham in April 2023, sparked by revenge after Kwateng’s friend was stabbed earlier that day in Croydon.
Shot in Chest at Close Range on Croydon Road
Tyrese was blasted in the chest with a shotgun at point-blank range near Beddington Lane. Kwateng claimed the gun went off by accident during a prank, but the jury didn’t buy it. They convicted him of manslaughter, rejecting a murder charge.
Wrong Place, Wrong Time – Victim Had No Part in Feud
Kwateng had previously been cleared of a 2022 stabbing murder. Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones KC told the court that after the earlier stabbing in Croydon, Kwateng was out for revenge and wrongly targeted Tyrese, who had simply been enjoying a night out with friends at a pub.
“When they caught up with him, they shot and killed him. He was shot in the chest with a shotgun from close range,” said Emlyn Jones.
Accomplices Also Sentenced for Firearm Offences
Kwateng’s co-defendants, Cheick Cisse, 29, from Thornton Heath, and Mario Serban, 18, from 1, were convicted for possessing a firearm and ammo with intent to endanger life. Cisse got seven years in jail, while Serban received an 18-month youth rehab order.
The shotgun used was found on Cisse and Serban when arrested shortly after the shooting.
Police Praise Investigation as Family Mourns
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, head of the probe, praised his team’s work piecing together CCTV, forensics, and mobile data. He said,
“My team has carefully tracked their movements to understand exactly how the tragic evening unfolded.”
The victim’s family remains devastated by the loss. DCI Jolley offered his condolences, saying,
“I hope they find some comfort in today’s sentence.”
This case starkly shows the deadly fallout from violent revenge and mistaken identity, leaving Tyrese’s family and the community shattered.
