Teen Murdered in Brutal Gang Spat in Ashford
Jaydon McFarlane, 19, was stabbed to death in broad daylight near Brockfield Road, Arlington, on Saturday 14 March 2020. The attack happened just before 12:30pm. Osita Alagbaoso, 18, was arrested that day and later found guilty of murder at Maidstone Crown Court on 28 April 2021.
Gang Rivalry Sparks Deadly Violence
Alagbaoso, formerly of Hoppers Way, Ashford, had a violent past. He pleaded guilty to wounding with intent from an earlier assault on 25 January 2020. The fatal stabbing was the violent climax of a gang feud. Groups had been clashing across Ashford for weeks.
Police traced the feud to a January dispute between Jaydon and Joseph Matimba, an associate of Alagbaoso. Tension flared through exchanged messages between the gangs.
Violence Escalated Before Deadly Attack
- On 25 January, Alagbaoso stabbed another man in Ashford’s Memorial Gardens, causing leg injuries.
- Ten days later, gangs confronted each other in County Square, reportedly brandishing knives in a chase.
- More hostile messages flew between members before the fatal stabbing on 14 March.
After stabbing Jaydon in Arlington, Alagbaoso chased him until he collapsed and died at the scene. Alagbaoso and Matimba then swapped clothes in a takeaway toilet to avoid detection, disposing of the bloodied clothes and hiding the knives.
Co-Conspirators Caught in Police Dragnet
Hassan Tejan, 25, drove Alagbaoso and Matimba to Canterbury after the attack. Police linked Tejan’s car to the crime. He was arrested by armed officers on his return journey. Fragments of the stabbing knife were found at the scene, along with two knives under Victoria Road bridge. Alagbaoso’s DNA was on two weapons.
Matimba pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice early in the trial. Tejan was convicted of the same offence on 28 April 2021. The trio are awaiting sentencing.
Investigator Speaks Out
“This case shows how gang ties and social media beefs can spiral into deadly violence. Jaydon’s death is a tragedy that will haunt his family and friends forever,” said Detective Chief Inspector Gavin Moss.
“Thanks to meticulous police work and brave witnesses, those involved were swiftly caught and justice prevails.”
