A 27-year-old woman working at a hotel for asylum seekers has died after being allegedly stabbed by an asylum seeker staying at the property. The victim, identified as Rhiannon Skye Whyte, was attacked with a screwdriver at Bescot Stadium train station in Walsall after finishing her shift.
Rhiannon, who sustained severe injuries to her neck, was placed on life support in hospital but tragically passed away three days later, surrounded by her family. Her family paid tribute, describing her as a “selfless person” who was “always there for anyone who needed it.”
An 18-year-old suspect, Deng Chol Majeck, was arrested shortly after the attack, which took place late on Sunday night. Authorities believe a petty argument over a packet of biscuits may have occurred earlier at the hotel, the Park Inn by Radisson, where Rhiannon worked. The hotel, located close to Walsall FC’s stadium in Bescot, had been housing asylum seekers.
The suspect, who arrived in the UK in July after crossing the Channel in a small boat without documents, applied for asylum and was placed in the hotel. Following the incident, all residents have been moved out of the property as a precaution.
A police spokesperson stated, “We are taking no chances. Residents have been removed from the hotel where Rhiannon worked.” The hotel had previously been the focus of attacks during riots over the summer.
Rhiannon had finished her shift at 11 pm and was planning to take the 11:21 pm train to her home in Walsall. Police were called to the scene at 11:25 pm after a member of the public discovered her lying unconscious at the station. She had been stabbed from behind with a screwdriver, and despite efforts to save her, she died in hospital on Wednesday.
In a statement, Rhiannon’s family expressed their grief, saying, “There is not enough paper in the world to even begin to write a tribute for you. We will love and miss you forever.” Floral tributes have since been left near the station in her memory.
Deng Chol Majeck appeared at Walsall Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday and was remanded in custody. He has been charged with murder and is awaiting further legal proceedings.
Police are appealing for witnesses who may have been in the area at the time of the incident to come forward with any information that could assist their investigation.
