Hammer Horror: Erik Feld Guilty of Brutal Murder in Tower Hamlets
Erik Feld, 38, has been found guilty of murdering 50-year-old Ranjith ‘Roy’ Kankanamalage after detectives uncovered Feld’s DNA under the victim’s fingernails. The chilling case revealed Feld’s obsession with hammer attacks, having accessed violent videos showing similar brutal assaults.
Shock Details from the Old Bailey Trial
The verdict came on Thursday, 23 March, at the Old Bailey. Feld, who lived close to the murder scene in Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, was arrested after a series of disturbing incidents, including waving a hammer in public just days before the killing.
Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke of the Met’s Specialist Crime unit said:
“Erik Feld is a dangerous and violent man. Though he never explained why he attacked Ranjith with such force, he clearly acted out of deep-seated hatred. He will now spend a significant time behind bars.”
“From the start, we kept Ranjith’s family in the UK and Sri Lanka, as well as the Tower Hamlets LGBTQ+ community, at the heart of this investigation. I hope they feel some justice today.”
“We also want to reassure LGBTQ+ people that they will be treated with respect and confidence if they contact the Met. We are committed to building trust.”
Investigation Uncovered Dark Obsession and Evidence
- Ranjith Kankanamalage was found dead on 16 August 2021 with severe head injuries inflicted by a hammer.
- He was last seen walking near Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park at 3:55am on the night of the murder.
- Feld was arrested on 20 August after a prior incident where he threatened a security guard with a hammer.
- Police found three mallets and a sledgehammer at Feld’s home in Tredegar Road, E3.
- His phone showed searches and videos glorifying hammer violence.
- DNA under Ranjith’s fingernails matched Feld.
Feld refused to answer police questions and claimed self-defence in court, alleging he feared an attack when meeting Ranjith by chance. The jury rejected this story as implausible.
Community and Police Respond to Verdict
Chief Superintendent James Conway, overseeing Tower Hamlets policing, praised local support and partnerships with LGBTQ+ groups and charities throughout the investigation. He stressed the ongoing work to rebuild trust between the Met and diverse communities.
Jack Gilbert, speaking for the Met’s LGBT Advisory Group, said:
“This horrific violence against Ranjith sends shockwaves through our community. We welcome the verdict and extend condolences to his family.”
“There is a strong perception this was a targeted attack. We have worked closely with police to ensure lessons are learned from past failings.”
“As trust remains fragile, we will continue to push for better policing for LGBTQ+ Londoners.”
Erik Feld, 37, of Tredegar Road, E3, will be sentenced soon at the Old Bailey following his conviction for murder.
