Three men have been charged with the murder of 20-year-old Jason Junior Romeo, who was fatally stabbed during an altercation on Bodney Road in Hackney on Tuesday evening.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Romeo, known locally as “LD,” was attacked around 6pm and later succumbed to his injuries at the scene, despite the efforts of emergency responders.
Raynolph Asante, 22, of Pembury Road, Travis Mitchell, 21, of Bodney Road, and Rhamyah Bailey-Edwards, 21, of Williams Avenue, Walthamstow, have been charged with murder and are due to appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
An 18-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday and remains in police custody.
The tragic death of Romeo has left the local community reeling. A Hackney resident who had known him for years described him as a “good guy” and “not a trouble-maker.” Another local woman expressed her devastation, saying, “What did he do to be dead? He’s like a family friend to me and my son. I can’t even tell my son that this boy is dead.”
A school friend of Romeo, who had known him for most of his life, echoed the community’s grief, stating, “He was like a brother to me. He didn’t deserve it… He was a good guy. He knew everyone. He was cool.”
Police investigations into the incident are ongoing. Two other men, aged 23 and 25, were arrested on suspicion of murder shortly after the stabbing but were released with no further action. However, they were re-arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs and have been bailed pending further inquiries.
Hackney has been shaken by a string of violent incidents in recent months, including the tragic shooting of a nine-year-old girl and three adults outside a Dalston restaurant in May, and the stabbing of 15-year-old Pharrell Garcia in July.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses and any information related to the incident. Anyone who may have seen anything is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police on 101, quoting reference 4532/20Feb. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
