Brutal Hit-and-Run Shocker: Murder Conviction in Drag Death of Liam
Martin Eastwood, 22, of Kiln Way, Epsom, was convicted of murder at the Old Bailey on Monday, 7 March. Daniel Morris, 22, with no fixed address, had already pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Jasmine Robinson, 19, from Stoneleigh Crescent, Epsom, was found guilty of assisting an offender.
Dragging Death on Chessington Road
In the early hours of 26 July 2019, 25-year-old Liam was struck by a Ford S-MAX on Osborne Way, Chessington. The car dragged him half a mile under the vehicle before fleeing the scene. Emergency services tried to save Liam, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The car was later discovered burnt out in Epsom, about a mile away. A post-mortem confirmed Liam died from multiple injuries, including signs of prolonged dragging.
Forensic Breakthrough Beats Burning Cover-Up
Despite the stolen car being set on fire to wipe evidence, detectives teamed with an expert to piece together the crime. Using CCTV and telematics data, they tracked the movements of the Ford S-MAX and linked Martin Eastwood to the murder. The data proved the car was stationary near Liam before accelerating towards him.
CCTV also showed the Ford travelling with a stolen BMW and the earlier Volvo involved in a pub scuffle with Liam and friends. The Volvo was also found torched later in Epsom.
Aftermath: Arrests, Charges, and Justice Near
Ten people were arrested during the investigation. Robinson helped Eastwood flee to Sheffield, buying coach tickets and searching murder details on her phone. She was convicted for aiding an offender.
Detective Inspector Garth Hall said: “Martin Eastwood’s actions were callous and intentional. Liam stood no chance as he was struck and dragged. Our thoughts are with Liam’s family and friends who finally get the verdict they deserved.”
He added: “Robinson may not have been at the scene, but her calculated behaviour afterwards deserves conviction for the part she played.”
All three convicted will be sentenced on Thursday, 31 March.
