Brutal Machete Murder: Two Teens Jailed for Life in East London Killing
Rahiem Anderson, 18, from Upminster, was handed a life sentence with a minimum of 18 years and 3 months at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, 6 April. A 16-year-old accomplice also received life imprisonment, set to serve at least 16 years. Both were found guilty of the savage murder of 18-year-old Santino Angelo Dymiter in February.
Ferocious Attack in the Streets of East Ham
The chilling crime unfolded on Monday, 26 August 2019, when police were called to reports of a seriously injured man in Chadd Green, E13. Officers and paramedics arrived to find Santino suffering multiple stab wounds. He tragically died at the scene shortly after 4.30pm.
A post-mortem confirmed he died from a deep stab wound caused by a machete that pierced his back over 12 centimetres, severing vital arteries. Detective Chief Inspector Laurence Smith described the attack as “shocking in its ferocity” but poorly planned.
Stolen Car and Cold-Blooded Intent
Investigators discovered the attackers had stolen a Ford SMax two days earlier, changing its number plates and hiding it locally. On the day of the murder, Anderson and the teenager used the stolen vehicle to find Santino and his friend on the street.
Both attackers, armed with machetes, assaulted the pair. Santino’s friend managed to flee, but Santino was left vulnerable and was fatally targeted. After the attack, Anderson fled the scene in the stolen car, abandoning it nearby.
Arrests and Damning Evidence Seal Fate
The teenage accomplice was arrested on 5 September 2019, while Anderson was caught on 7 September in Essex after attempting to evade capture by changing clothes and moving between hotels.
Prison officers later reported Anderson boasting about the brutal killing. Forensic evidence linked both teens to the crime scene: Anderson’s fingerprints were on and around the stolen car, while the younger teen’s DNA was found on a bloodied latex glove and a cannabis grinder inside the vehicle.
DCI Smith said, “Our enquiries show they intended to murder both Santino and his friend. Ultimately, a young man is dead and two people will now waste their best years behind bars. There are no winners.”
The brutal machete murder has left a bitter mark on families and the East London community, with the harsh sentencing sending a stark warning to violent offenders.
