Murder Verdict Delivered at Old Bailey in Brixton Stabbing Case
Kyiza Sandiford, 24, from Merton, has been found guilty of murdering 22-year-old Keelen Wong. The verdict came in on Thursday, 17 October, after an intense trial at the Old Bailey. Detectives pored over hours of CCTV footage and matched Sandiford’s blood to a trail at the brutal crime scene.
Detectives Speak Out: Community Shocked by Daylight Killing
“Today our thoughts are with Keelen’s family and friends as his attacker was held to account for his murder,” said Detective Inspector Kevin Martin from the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command. “Nothing can ease their pain, but I hope this conviction helps them hold on to Keelen’s memory knowing justice has been served.”
“This horrific attack happened in broad daylight, right in front of people going about their business. An innocent young man lost his life to a large knife, and it shook the community deeply,” he added.
The Crime: Fatal Stabbing on Coldharbour Lane
- The stabbing happened on Tuesday, 3 October 2023, at about 4:44pm on Coldharbour Lane, Brixton.
- Police and London Ambulance Service rushed to the scene, but Keelen Wong died instantly from his injuries.
Police conducted meticulous reviews of CCTV, tracing Sandiford’s movements, and found he injured himself with the murder weapon, leaving a blood trail at the scene. Sandiford went to hospital claiming his injuries came from punching a window, but forensic tests proved his blood matched the trail and a sheath found at the scene.
Additional Defendants and Sentencing Date
- Sandiford was arrested the day after the stabbing, on Wednesday, 4 October 2023, and charged with murder.
- Two teenage defendants also faced trial. Both were cleared of murder, but one, aged 16, was found guilty of possession of an offensive weapon.
- Sentencing for Sandiford and the teenager is set for Friday, 22 November at the Old Bailey.
This daylight stabbing has rocked Brixton, but the guilty verdict brings some relief to Keelen Wong’s devastated family and community.
