Croydon Murder Shocker: Killer Stabbed Man Over Designer Bag
Samuel Odupitan, 23, from Croydon, was found guilty of stabbing 24-year-old Tyler Roye to death in a brutal early morning attack just minutes from Tyler’s home.
The chilling murder happened in the early hours of Wednesday, 26 February, on Bywood Avenue, Croydon. Tyler – a hotel concierge from Stratford – was stabbed five times in the back and abdomen. Despite emergency treatment at the scene and hospital, he died on the operating table.
How a Gucci Bag Sparked Deadly Violence
That fateful night, Tyler got off work around 11pm and caught a tram at East Croydon. He boarded the same carriage as Odupitan, who followed him closely, even moving seats to get nearer. CCTV showed Odupitan fixated on Tyler’s distinctive Bengal tiger embossed Gucci messenger bag.
Tyler got off at the Arena stop, unaware he was being tailed. Minutes later, while on a call with his girlfriend, Tyler was ambushed. Witnesses heard him say “Bro, bro…” before the phone went silent.
Odupitan stabbed him five times and fled. Tyler stumbled to a friend’s nearby home but collapsed with a 15cm deep wound cutting through lung and aorta. His bag, ripped open with doughnut boxes spilled on the pavement, was missing – alongside the killer’s jacket, trousers, and trainers.
Hunt for the Killer and Disturbing Evidence
- CCTV identified Odupitan, who was arrested days later.
- Searches found no trace of stolen bag or clothes.
- Odupitan’s phone held knife images, videos of him brandishing a knife while driving, and chats about weapons.
- He also searched designer bags online and received crime scene images just hours after the murder.
He bizarrely claimed his jacket was borrowed and returned, but his ex-partner proved it was a gift.
Killer’s Dark Past and Family’s Heartbreak
Odupitan was also convicted of four armed robberies in south London during 2019, menacing victims and stealing watches while masked.
“Odupitan is an evil predator and opportunist who preyed on my son for a bag. He robbed my son of his precious life. He is a danger to society and has no regard for human life,” said Tyler’s mother, Cecilia Smith.
Detective Inspector Mel Pressley added, “Odupitan is extremely dangerous and heartless – willing to hurt a stranger for a flashy bag. Tyler’s loss is a tragic reminder of senseless violence.”
Odupitan faces sentencing on 7 December at Croydon Crown Court, where justice seeks to be served for Tyler Roye’s senseless murder.
