Three Men Jailed for Brutal Ilford Murder
Three men were slammed with long sentences at the Old Bailey for the savage killing of Lee Baxter in Ilford.
Heavy Sentences for a Violent Robbery Gone Deadly
- Syd Goss, 22, of Huntsman Road, Ilford – 29 years behind bars
- Jermaine Forrester, 25, of Ley Street, Ilford – 29 years in prison
- Ryan Graham, 27, of Farnham Road, Ilford – 27 years sentenced
The trio was convicted on May 19 after a six-week trial at the Old Bailey.
Detective Blasts Senseless Killing of Loving Dad
“Lee Baxter was not a master criminal or a drug deal arranger. The circumstances around his death should not overshadow its utter senselessness,” said Detective Inspector Adam Callaghan, who led the murder probe. “Lee was a loving father who died in the most violent way possible. This horrendous crime must be punished. My thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
The Fatal Robbery in Ilford
On October 9, 2020, Lee Baxter and a friend headed to Pavillion Terrace in Ilford to buy a large stash of cannabis. Lee carried £5,000 cash for the deal. But things took a horrific turn.
Lee was met by Goss, Forrester, and Graham – strangers to him – one armed with a knife. When the promised drugs didn’t appear, Lee started to walk away. That’s when the attack kicked off.
Forrester led the violent robbery. He put Lee in a headlock, dragging him down and stabbing him. Graham joined the brutal assault, while Goss distracted Lee’s companion, who luckily escaped unharmed.
Lee suffered multiple knife wounds, with a fatal cut severing his femoral artery. The attackers fled in a waiting car.
Immediate Police Action Leads to Quick Arrests
Emergency services rushed to the scene, but Lee died shortly after from severe blood loss. His friend called the police and tried to help, putting Lee in the recovery position.
The police launched a murder inquiry immediately. Thanks to witness testimonies, Goss, Forrester, and Graham were quickly identified. Goss and Forrester were arrested on October 21, Graham the next day.
Officers found two knives cleaned of blood at Goss and Forrester’s shared flat. Blood-soaked clothing belonging to Forrester and Goss was discovered in the wash. Forensic tests also linked Lee’s blood to the men’s getaway car, captured on CCTV speeding from the scene.
Justice Served for Lee Baxter
The brutal killers have now been locked up for decades, ensuring Lee’s tragic death won’t be forgotten in Ilford. The case highlights the dangers of violent crime and the swift work of police and witnesses who helped bring the culprits to justice.
