Four Croydon Men Jailed for Total of 67 Years Over Stab Murder of 22-Year-Old Lavaun Witter
Brutal Attack on Wisbeach Road
Four men have been sentenced to a combined 67 years after a savage knife attack that killed 22-year-old Lavaun Witter in Croydon on February 5, 2021. Police responded to distress calls shortly after 8pm when Lavaun was found collapsed with a fatal stab wound to his leg. Despite paramedics’ efforts, he was pronounced dead on the street.
A 16-year-old boy was also stabbed during this terrifying attack but survived.
Violent Break-In with Samurai Sword
Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime South Unit uncovered that the attack began as a violent break-in at Lavaun’s flat. Four men armed with long knives and even a Samurai sword smashed through an internal door demanding drugs they believed were inside.
Lavaun tried to escape but collapsed nearby, succumbing to his injury.
Swift Police Action and Key Evidence
CCTV and forensic clues quickly identified the suspects:
- Tyreece Riggon, 24, Armistice Gardens, SE25
- Julian Russell, 26, Sanfield Road, CR7
- Tyreece Wolfries-Parkin, 22
- Alex Pasley, 29, Paxton Grove, Coulsdon
Police raided Riggon’s address on February 18, arresting him and Russell. A Louis Vuitton bag belonging to Lavaun was found at Russell’s linked address, deepening his involvement. Wolfries-Parkin and Pasley were arrested weeks later.
All four faced charges of murder, attempted murder, and attempted grievous bodily harm (GBH) related to the 16-year-old’s attack.
Trial Outcomes and Hard-Hitting Sentences
The Old Bailey trial starting July 2023 ended with serious verdicts:
- Julian Russell and Tyreece Wolfries-Parkin found guilty of murder
- Alex Pasley guilty of manslaughter and attempted GBH
- Tyreece Riggon convicted of attempted GBH after retrial in November 2024
On February 19, 2025, sentencing dealt heavy justice:
- Julian Russell: Life sentence with minimum 24 years (minus 4 years remand)
- Tyreece Wolfries-Parkin: Life with minimum 20 years (minus remand time)
- Alex Pasley: 17 years for manslaughter and attempted GBH (minus 4 years remand)
- Tyreece Riggon: Six years for attempted GBH (minus 4 years remand)
Police Condemn ‘Extreme Violence’ Behind Tragedy
“These men were prepared to use extreme levels of violence and take Lavaun’s life to get drugs they wrongly believed were inside,” said Detective Chief Inspector Mike Nolan. “Lavaun was defenceless against four men armed with large knives, including a Samurai sword. His death devastated his family and community.”
Community Mourns, Calls for Action
Lavaun’s family remains heartbroken. Croydon locals have held vigils and are demanding tougher action on knife crime and gang violence to stop tragedies like this.
Stark Reminder of London’s Knife Crime Crisis
This case shines a harsh spotlight on the knife crime epidemic in London. The Met urges anyone with information on violent crime or weapons to call 101 or anonymously report to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
Stay tuned to The Sentinel Current for ongoing crime updates.
