Teen Stabbed to Death in Ashford Gang Turf War
Jaydon McFarlane, 19, was fatally stabbed by Osita Alagbaoso in Arlington, near Brockfield Road, just before 12:30pm on Saturday 14 March 2020. The fatal attack was the climax of a vicious gang rivalry tearing through Ashford.
Cold-Blooded Killing After Weeks of Violence
Alagbaoso, 18, from Hoppers Way, Ashford, was arrested the same day. He was found guilty of murder on 28 April 2021 after a trial. Earlier, he had admitted wounding a man with intent in an unrelated assault on 25 January 2020.
The two gangs had been clashing violently for weeks. Officers traced the feud to a dispute between Jaydon and Alagbaoso’s associate, Joseph Matimba, in January 2020. This sparked a volley of threats and hostile messages.
Knife Fights and Bloody Showdowns
- 25 January: Alagbaoso stabbed a man in Ashford’s Memorial Gardens, causing leg injuries.
- Early February: Knife-wielding gang members chased each other through County Square.
- 14 March: Alagbaoso chased and stabbed Jaydon down Arlington, leading to his death.
Right after the murder, Alagbaoso and Matimba swapped clothes in a takeaway toilet. They dumped the murder weapons and tried to cover their tracks.
Accomplices Jailed for Helping Killers
A third man, Hassan Tejan, 25, drove them away from the scene. Police connected his car to the crime and nabbed him in a dramatic armed stop.
Evidence including knife fragments and Alagbaoso’s DNA sealed their fate. Matimba pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice and got 18 months. Tejan was jailed for a year.
Detective Superintendent Gavin Moss said: “Alagbaoso is a dangerous man who turned social media threats into deadly violence. Jaydon McFarlane’s death will leave a lasting impact on his family and friends. I am pleased justice has been served and those who helped him are now off Ashford’s streets.”
