Four Murder Charges for Joshua Jacques in Shocking Bermondsey Killings
Joshua Jacques, 29, from Lewisham, was convicted of four counts of murder at the Old Bailey, despite pleading guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility.
Victims: Partner, Mother-in-Law, Grandmother and Partner
Jacques brutally murdered his partner, 27-year-old Samantha Drummonds, her mother Tanysha Ofori-Akuffo, 45, her grandmother Dolet Hill, 64, and Dolet’s partner Denton Burke, 58, at their home in Bermondsey.
Detective Chief Insp. Condemns ‘Brutal Murders’
“Jacques carried out four brutal murders, not only killing four completely innocent people but destroying the lives of those left behind,” said Detective Chief Inspector Linda Bradley.
“The families have shown immense dignity by coming to court and sitting through a lengthy trial, despite still struggling to come to terms with Jacques’ utterly senseless actions.”
“This is one of the most shocking cases our team has worked on… We are pleased the jury accepted the murder verdict rather than manslaughter. Our thoughts remain with the victims and their families, and we hope the verdict brings some solace.”
Night of Terror and Arrest
- In the early hours of 25 April 2022, a neighbour called 999 after hearing a disturbance at Delaford Road.
- Police forced entry to find Denton Burke dead at the bottom of the stairs; Samantha, Tanysha, and Dolet were discovered fatally stabbed in the kitchen.
- Jacques was found upstairs in the bathroom, arrested after a struggle with officers.
- While in custody, Jacques claimed he ‘had to sacrifice for the greater good’ and admitted to killing the four victims but said he blacked out due to a mental health condition.
Overwhelming Evidence Seals Jacques’ Fate
Forensic and physical evidence linked Jacques to the murders, including his bloodied fingerprints and the recovery of the kitchen knife used in the killings. The jury ruled him guilty of murder.
Jacques is due to be sentenced on 9 February 2024.
