Man Jailed for Life Over Brutal Double Murder in SW8
Daniel Briceno Garcia, 46, formerly of Dorset Road, SW8, was convicted at the Old Bailey for the shocking murders of Sonia Butron Calvi and Edgar Aguilera Daza. On Friday 27 May, he received a life sentence with a minimum term of 33 years.
Family Devastated by Tragic Loss
The victims’ daughter, Laura Aguilera, spoke about the unbearable pain her family endures. She said:
“They were not only wonderful parents, grandparents, and friends but also excellent church advisors and mentors. So many looked up to them for their humble and caring nature. Sonia’s warm reassurance and Edgar’s infectious humour lifted everyone during tough times.
“It’s hard to accept such a cruel end for them. The fact we’ll never see them again has crushed us emotionally. The grief and pain still overwhelm us. Innocent lives taken unjustly breaks our hearts.
“Their absence has left our family in dark, lonely days for the last two years. Trying to move on grows harder every day as the pain weighs heavily on all of us.
“Seeing Garcia so calm, not realising the destruction he caused to the entire Bolivian community in London, leaves us shattered. My parents were more than family — they were the sweetest grandparents full of love. It aches they can no longer hold or protect their grandchildren.”
How the Fatal Attack Unfolded
Police were called at around 4pm on 1 April 2020 after reports of a disturbance at Dorset Road, SW8. Officers and London Ambulance Service arrived to find Sonia, 66, and Edgar, 60, suffering fatal stab wounds. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Detectives launched a murder inquiry. Garcia, who lived in the property rented out by Sonia and Edgar, was arrested after opening the door with blood-covered hands. Witnesses told police Garcia attacked the couple in the hallway. One resident revealed Garcia had become obsessed with Covid lockdown worries in recent weeks.
Police Condemn Shocking Crime
Detective Inspector Karen Bangs of the Specialist Crime Command said:
“This was a dreadful and seemingly unprovoked attack on two innocent people who had given Garcia a home. My thoughts remain with the family and friends struggling to come to terms with this terrible loss.”
