A man has been convicted of the murder of Zelous Smythe.
Oliver Allerton, aged 27, of no fixed abode, was found guilty by unanimous jury at Reading Crown Court today (20/05) following a trial which started on 1 May.
Victoria Quinton, aged 21 of Wilwood, Preistwood, Bracknell, was acquitted of one count of murder at the same hearing. She was found guilty of manslaughter by unanimous jury.
On the 5 November 2018, Mr Smythe, aged 27, from Camberley, Surrey, was found in Nile Mile Ride with a single stab wound to his chest and defensive wounds to his forearm and hand, caused by a blade.
Zelous died at the scene and a murder investigation began.
Allerton had owed Mr Smythe money in relation to a debt.
During the incident in Nine Mile Ride Zelous was involved in a collision with a car being driven by Victoria Quinton. He was subsequently stabbed by Oliver Allerton.
Despite both Allerton and Quinton knowing that Zelous Smythe had been stabbed, they drove away from the scene without contacting the emergency services.
On 8 November, both Quinton and Allerton were charged with murder, having been arrested on 5 and 6 of November respectively.
Oliver Allerton has also been convicted of grievous bodily harm without intent and possession of a knife.
This was in relation to an incident in Reeds Hill, Bracknell, at around 1pm on 6 October 2018.
The victim, a man in his twenties was assaulted with a knife and sustained cuts to his hands which required treatment
Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Sally Spencer, of the Major Crime unit, said: “Firstly, our thoughts are with the family and friends of Zelous, who is the victim in this case and lost his life on the 5 November last year.
“Zelous suffered a single stab wound and died at the scene in Nine Mile Ride.
“Neither Allerton or Quinton helped Zelous after stabbing him and essentially left him to die at the scene of the murder Allerton committed.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank members of the public who stopped to help Zelous and those witnesses who have come forward providing essential CCTV footage and information to assist the investigation which led to these convictions.”
Sentencing for both Allerton and Quinton will be on a date yet to be set.
