A 22-year-old has been found guilty of the brutal murder of 20-year-old Jason Romeo in Clapton. Raynolph Asante’s ruthless stabbing sparked a police hunt that ended with his arrest after CCTV footage and a public appeal forced him to surrender.
Raynolph Asante Guilty at Old Bailey
Raynolph Asante, 22, from Pembury Road, Hackney, was convicted at the Old Bailey for fatally stabbing Jason outside a Bodney Road property on 18 February. The court heard the savage attack was revenge after a violent row over a girl earlier that evening.
Police Crack Case Using CCTV and Phone Data
Jason’s murder sparked an intense investigation. Although CCTV footage of the stabbing was limited, detectives tracked vehicles around the scene and analysed mobile phone data to build their case.
Smart detective work zeroed in on Asante as the prime suspect. Warrants led to searches that uncovered more evidence, but he initially dodged arrest.
The pressure ramped up when police named Asante and released his photo publicly. Just three days after the murder, he handed himself in.
Justice Served, Family Pay Tribute
“The last ten months have been the most difficult of our lives but we are so relieved that today we have got justice for Jason. Jason will always be remembered, forever missed and, as I used to tell him every day, always be loved,” said Jason’s family.
Detective Superintendent Kelly Allen, who led the probe, said: “This senseless act cost a young life. Jason was just 20. Asante’s deadly retaliation after a confrontation has devastated a family and community.
“Our team chased every lead — analysing CCTV and launching a media appeal — to bring him to justice. We hope today’s verdict offers Jason’s loved ones some comfort.”
Co-Accused Men Cleared
- Four other men charged with murder were found not guilty: Joshua Ogedengbe, 19; Travis Mitchell, 22; and Rhamyah Bailey-Edwards, 21.
Asante is due to be sentenced on Friday, 23 January 2026.
