Teen Stabbed to Death in Holloway Gang Clash
Romario Opia, just 15, was fatally stabbed on January 25, 2021, in Holland Walk, Holloway. On June 8, 19-year-old O’Neil Cameron was found guilty of manslaughter at the Old Bailey.
Shocking Attack Caught on CCTV
Cameron, from Islington, admitted stabbing Romario but claimed it was self-defence. He had earlier pled guilty to possessing an offensive weapon. A second 17-year-old, unidentified due to age, was also at the scene and admitted carrying a weapon.
Both Romario and the 17-year-old were former members of a gang that split into rival factions after an internal dispute in early 2020. On the afternoon Romario died, he was cycling near his home with friends. Cameron, then 17, and another male were nearby, all carrying large ‘zombie’ or ‘Rambo’-style knives.
CCTV footage shows the 17-year-old passing a knife to Cameron, who hid it in his waistband. The two groups exchanged threats before clashing. Cameron swung his knife, stabbing Romario in the chest. Romario collapsed and died shortly after.
Knife Evidence and Attempt to Cover Tracks
Following the attack, those involved fled, discarding knives later linked to them by forensic teams. Cameron was wearing slider flip-flops in snowy January weather; one fell off during the scuffle.
He sent a friend back to retrieve the lost slipper. Police later found both slippers and two socks (one dirtier, likely from fleeing shoeless) in his washing machine. A large knife with Cameron’s DNA was discovered hidden in a cupboard during the search.
Police Warn of Deadly Consequences of Knife Crime
“There are no winners in this case,” said Detective Sergeant Brian Jones of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command. “It was a senseless killing, not a sophisticated one.”
“Romario’s family is enduring unimaginable grief, and I admire their strength. Cameron’s family is also struggling with the reality of his impending incarceration and a lifelong criminal record.”
“These young men, armed with knives that look like movie weapons, driven by misguided loyalty and disrespect, fail to grasp the deadly consequences.”
“A brutal encounter lasting seconds can change lives forever.”
The Met continues cracking down on knife crime, targeting repeat offenders, seizing weapons, and focusing resources on violent hotspots across London. When tragedy strikes, they promise to use every tool to bring killers to justice.
