Life Behind Bars for Killer Who Stabbed Teen in Front of Family
Romello Harley, 19, from Kirkdale, Sydenham, was handed a life sentence on Monday, 25 April, at Inner London Crown Court. He must serve at least 22 years for the murder of 19-year-old Tashawn Watt.
Brutal Stabbing in Front of Family
Harley was found guilty of murder and possession of an offensive weapon on 21 March following a trial. The court heard police were called after 9:30pm on 25 June 2021 when Tashawn, known as Tata to his family, was found collapsed in Miall Walk, SE26.
Emergency services fought to save him, but the aspiring banker died at the scene, stabbed in the chest. CCTV and multiple witnesses captured the brutal attack.
Argument Spirals Into Murder
The investigation revealed Harley had argued with a relative of Tashawn’s at the Watts family home shortly before the stabbing. After being asked to leave, Harley armed himself with a knife and returned. He tried to lure Tashawn into an alley, but when the teen refused, Harley stabbed him in front of his family and fled.
Harley went into hiding but surrendered to Lewisham Police Station on 28 June, where he was arrested for murder.
Family Heartbreak and Calls for Justice
“Tata was calm and kind, never one for confrontation,” said his mother. “I never thought I’d bury one of my children so young and for such a senseless reason. My house feels empty without Tata; every family event reminds me he’s missing. We showed Romello nothing but kindness, and he betrayed that. No sentence brings Tata back, but justice has been done.”
Tashawn’s brother added: “Tata was more than my brother, he was my best friend. Seeing him die in front of me was unbearable. I visit his grave every day because moving on is so hard. I will always remember him.”
Detective Calls Attack ‘Brutal and Premeditated’
Detective Chief Inspector Chris Wood, leading the case, said: “Harley took a young man’s life in a brutal, premeditated attack after being asked to leave the Watts family home. It’s shocking.”
“We’ve delivered justice by ensuring Harley will spend considerable time behind bars.”
A post-mortem confirmed Tashawn died from a stab wound to the chest.
