Drug Dealer Given Life for Brutal Stabbing of Friend
Raekwon Hanniford-Brown, 23, from Rossiter Road, SW12, has been jailed for life at Croydon Crown Court. He must serve at least 19 years for the savage murder of Errol McKay.
The verdict came on Wednesday, 19 July, with sentencing following two days later on Friday, 21 July.
Frenzied Attack Over Drug Dispute
Errol McKay was no stranger to drugs and had allowed Hanniford-Brown to stash drugs in his flat. In return, the defendant supplied Errol with crack cocaine. Up until the fatal night, they seemed to be on friendly terms.
At around 1am on 27 July 2022, Hanniford-Brown used a set of keys to enter Errol’s flat on Trinity Crescent. A row erupted over the keys, quickly turning violent. Errol was stabbed 24 times, suffering catastrophic wounds to his head and neck.
A friend was present during the attack. According to court reports, Hanniford-Brown told her to call an ambulance and apply pressure to the wounds before fleeing on a bicycle. He also moved the safe where his drugs were kept, ditched the knife, and attempted to flee the country.
Failed Escape and Damning Evidence
Emergency crews tried to save Errol but he died at the scene. Forensics uncovered blood spattered throughout the flat and a bloody handprint matching Hanniford-Brown’s fingerprint.
The following day, police caught Hanniford-Brown at Gatwick Airport as he tried to fly to Paris. He was charged with murder on 29 July 2022.
Denials Fall Flat as Jury Convicts
Throughout the investigation, Hanniford-Brown claimed self-defence, saying he suffered from PTSD and a knife phobia and only stabbed Errol to protect himself.
Detective Chief Inspector Laura Semple, Met Specialist Crime Command, said: “The attack on Errol was one of extreme brutality – he was stabbed 24 times causing catastrophic injuries to his head and neck. Such frenzied wounds are not consistent with self-defence.”
“Mobile phone data and his actions after the attack, including attempting to run away, showed he knew what he had done.”
Family Mourns ‘Kind-Hearted’ Errol
A family spokesperson said: “Errol was the youngest of nine children. A loving son, brother, uncle and nephew. He was humble, funny and affectionate, always putting family first.”
“He showed kindness beyond family to friends and those in need. His door was always open. This man took Errol’s life then tried to run away. Some forgive, some never will.”
“Errol was taken too soon but leaves a legacy of love.”
