Man Found Guilty of Murdering 18-Year-Old in Broad Daylight
A 21-year-old man with no fixed address, Fernando Pope, has been convicted of murdering 18-year-old Cheyon in Wandsworth. The verdict came after a gripping trial at the Old Bailey. Pope will face sentencing on 7 February.
Fatal Stabbing Shocks Wandsworth Estate
Police were called at 4.42pm on Friday, 14 June 2019, following reports of a stabbing on Deeside Road, Wandsworth. Officers, along with the London Ambulance Service, found Cheyon critically injured.
Despite desperate efforts from paramedics, including London’s air ambulance crew, Cheyon tragically died at the scene. The post-mortem revealed a fatal stab wound to the chest as the cause of death.
Evidence and Arrest
Homicide detectives from Specialist Crime traced the attack back to Pope, who had repeatedly stabbed Cheyon with a large knife. CCTV footage from the estate was crucial in identifying Pope, who was arrested six days later on 20 June.
He was charged with murder the next day and remanded in custody. The motive for the attack remains unknown.
Family Left Devastated
“Cheyon was an amazing son, brother, uncle, nephew, grandson, great grandson, cousin, friend,” said the family. “He was the man of the house. Losing Cheyon has torn our world apart and changed the family forever.”
Cheyon’s mother added: “My heart will forever be broken. I can’t picture a day without grieving for my son. My hope is that Cheyon’s story sparks change—better futures and opportunities for children across London.”
Detective Chief Inspector Helen Rance described Pope as “a dangerous man intent on causing serious harm in broad daylight on a busy estate.”
Two others, Aymen Mansouri, 18, and Mohammed Nadir Dafallah, 18, were found not guilty of murder.
