Teen Jailed for Murder of 16-Year-Old Near Gallions Reach
Ignas Stauryla, 18, from Shackleton Way, E16, has been handed a 17-and-a-half-year sentence for the brutal murder of 16-year-old Shanur Ahmed near Gallions Reach DLR station in March last year. Alongside murder, Stauryla was convicted of possession of an offensive weapon and pleaded guilty to two counts of affray and one count of actual bodily harm (ABH).
Five Others Also Sentenced Over Violent Incidents
- Yusuf Jennah, 19, Shackleton Way, E16 – 15 months (two counts affray, one ABH)
- Nick Janarauskas, 18, Magellan Boulevard, E16 – 12 months (two counts affray, one ABH)
- Ibrahim Khamis, 19, Plymouth Road, E16 – 14 months (two counts affray, one ABH)
- Sadiq Abubakar, 18, Shackleton Way, E16 – 15 months (two counts affray, one ABH)
- Michael Mendes, 19, Pacific Road, E16 – 11 months (one count affray, one ABH)
Shanur Ahmed Found Dead After Brutal Attack
On 3 March 2020, a DLR driver spotted what looked like a body on wasteland near Gallions Reach station. Police and London Ambulance Service confirmed Shanur Ahmed was dead. The 16-year-old had been reported missing the night before by his father. A post-mortem revealed Shanur died from a severe head injury caused by blunt force trauma.
Police linked the death to violent clashes between teenage groups the day before. CCTV showed the six defendants viciously attacking a 17-year-old at a bus stop, leaving him with a head wound needing stitches from a weapon.
CCTV Shows Chase Leading to Fatal Attack
Later that evening, bus cameras captured the defendants chasing another group, including Shanur, near Gallions Reach. Although the murder itself wasn’t caught on camera, footage shows Stauryla chasing Shanur towards the spot where his body was found.
Another clip shows the group walking away, with Stauryla mimicking the stabbing. Police found a bike saddle believed to have been used as the lethal weapon on the wasteland.
Detective Chief Inspector Laurence Smith said: “Shanur was just 16 and had his whole life ahead of him when it was cruelly taken away by another teenager in an act of needless violence. The ongoing dispute between the two groups culminated in this tragic outcome which has left another family grieving and with a hole in their lives that they will never fill.”
Speak Up to Stop Knife Crime
Knife crime ruins lives. If you know someone involved, do the right thing. Report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers. No tip is too small – and it could save a life.
Crimestoppers never ask your name or trace your call. You can fill out a quick online form or call 0800 555 111.
