Teen Admits Stabbing 14-Year-Old Jermaine Cools to Death in West Croydon
A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty today to the brutal murder of 14-year-old Jermaine Cools.
Jermaine Stabbed Outside West Croydon Shop
The horrifying attack happened around 7pm on November 18, 2021, outside Cash Converters on London Road, near West Croydon station. Jermaine was stabbed multiple times.
Despite his injuries, Jermaine fought to survive and drove himself to hospital—but tragically, he bled to death. His attacker, then 16, appeared in court before Judge Sarah Plaschkes and admitted the crime.
Mum Heartbroken Over Son’s Untimely Death
Jermaine’s mother, Lorraine Dudek, described her son as “the head of our family for a 14-year-old. He looked so mature. He was a typical 14-year-old, always cheerful and smiling.”
“He was sitting on his bed laughing and smiling just hours before his death. I left for work at midday and never saw him again,” Lorraine said.
She revealed Jermaine had gone out to grab food from a takeaway shop before the fatal stabbing.
One of 30 Teenagers Lost to Knife Crime in 2021
Jermaine was the youngest of 30 teens killed by knife or gun violence across London in 2021—the deadliest year on record for youth violence.
The tragic case highlights the growing knife crime epidemic devastating communities across the capital.
