Man Guilty of Savage Murder and Dismemberment of 20-Year-Old in Croydon
Brutal Blows and Bloodshed in Upper Norwood
A 27-year-old man, Dajour Jones, has been found guilty of the gruesome murder of 20-year-old Jamie Gilbey in Croydon after a chilling nine-week trial at the Old Bailey. Detectives branded the case “horrendous” following evidence that Jones not only killed Jamie but also dismembered his body and dumped the remains in a nearby park.
Both men lived in supported housing in Upper Norwood. On the evening of Thursday, 27 January 2022, Jones lured Jamie to his room. There, Jamie was savagely battered and stabbed multiple times in a violent attack that left him fatally wounded.
CCTV footage caught the pair leaving the building around 5:30 p.m, returning by 6:10 p.m., just before the vicious assault unfolded inside Jones’ room.
Grim Disposal and Shocking Discovery
In the days after the murder, Jones dismembered Jamie’s body, bought a large purple suitcase, and made several trips to South Norwood Country Park. He concealed bags containing Jamie’s remains in thick undergrowth.
On 27 February, police on routine patrol found the suitcase near Love Lane. Inside were bloodstained clothes linked to both men. Forensic tests confirmed Jamie’s identity and sparked a murder investigation.
Further searches uncovered Jamie’s remains in South Norwood Lake and the surrounding area on 8 March — just two miles from where the suitcase was found and yards from their hostel.
Police Hunt, Arrest and Cold Confession
Jamie had been reported missing on 30 January by hostel staff. After a lack of evidence he was alive, police switched to a murder probe. CCTV showed Jamie and Jones returning to the hostel the night of the attack. Jones’ room held Jamie’s blood and cleaning fluids — showing a clear attempt to cover up the crime.
Multiple trips with the purple suitcase were caught on camera. Police believe the body was transported in those early outings.
Jones was arrested on 3 March before the body was recovered. When charged, he reportedly said, “Ah. Cool.” Earlier, he had asked hostel staff what would happen if a fight broke out in his room, hinting at premeditation.
Verdict and Next Steps
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Nolan called the crime “truly horrendous,” describing Jones as “a very dangerous man.” He said, “For reasons known only to Jones, he lured Jamie to his room intending to kill or seriously harm him. He then subjected Jamie to an extremely violent and sustained attack.”
Jones, who has no fixed address, will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, 13 December. Meanwhile, Jamie’s family mourn their “vulnerable young man” lost in such a brutal and traumatic way.
