Knife Attack Horror: Four Men Jailed Over 80 Years After Maidstone Murder
Four men have been locked up for a combined total of more than 80 years following a brutal knife attack in Maidstone that left one man dead and a woman seriously injured.
Shocking Attack Outside Flats
In the early hours of 10 February 2019, 38-year-old Wesley Adyinka and a woman in her 30s were outside a block of flats on Knightrider Street when they were confronted by Alfie Caparn and Kevin Roach, two men they knew.
While the woman was on her phone, Roach threatened Mr Adyinka, who tried to back off but was grabbed by Caparn and thrown to the ground. Roach then pulled a knife from his jacket and stabbed Mr Adyinka in the chest and back.
The woman stepped in to help but was pulled away by Caparn before Roach stabbed her in the left thigh. The attackers then fled to a BMW parked nearby, driven by Rodney Harris and accompanied by Julian Grant.
Killer Crew Caught After Police Chase
Emergency services were called, but Mr Adyinka was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman was rushed to hospital with serious injuries.
Just 45 minutes later, Kent Police’s armed units stopped the BMW on Westmoreland Road, Bromley. Roach, Caparn, Grant, and Harris were arrested on the spot.
Evidence Unravels Murder Plot
An extensive investigation by Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate uncovered CCTV footage showing the four men searching the area for the victims an hour before the attack.
Investigators revealed that Grant had aggressively phoned the woman shortly before the stabbing/" title="Stabbing" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">stabbing, prompting Roach and Caparn to confront the victims.
Roach, from South Norwood, London, was identified as the attacker in an ID parade and charged with murder and grievous bodily harm. Harris, Caparn, and Grant were also charged in connection with the attack.
Harsh Sentences for Ruthless Attackers
- Kevin Roach – 27 years for murder, unlawful wounding, and knife possession
- Julian Grant – 20 years for manslaughter and unlawful wounding
- Rodney Harris – 18 years for manslaughter and unlawful wounding
- Alfie Caparn – 18 years for manslaughter
Senior Investigating Officer DI Annie Clayton blasted the killers:
“This murder was fuelled by a dispute over the supply of drugs in Maidstone. These four men came to Kent seeking retribution and ended a man’s life while seriously injuring a woman. They must now pay with lengthy jail terms.”
She added: “Kent Police will keep a zero-tolerance stance on gang and drug crime and will work closely with the Metropolitan Police to bring offenders to justice.
