Man Jailed for Murder After Brutal Street Robbery Turns Fatal
A man has been found guilty of murder after a robbery turned deadly, leaving 22-year-old Leo Marcus fatally stabbed. Shackim Purnell-Taylor, from Gunyard Mews, SE18, was convicted at the Old Bailey on Friday, 10 January.
He had already admitted to carrying a knife and committing robbery. Sentencing is set for Wednesday, 15 January.
Planned Robbery Ends in Multiple Stabbings
The court heard how on 10 July 2019, Purnell-Taylor left his Greenwich home and headed to Tellson Avenue, believing a drugs courier would be passing through. Spotting Leo arriving by bike, Purnell-Taylor followed him into an alley, armed with a knife.
- Purnell-Taylor immediately attacked Leo, stabbing him and grabbing his rucksack.
- He tried to escape on Leo’s bike, but Leo fought back and knocked him off.
- During the struggle, Purnell-Taylor stabbed Leo six times.
- He then fled the scene on foot after stealing Leo’s phone, leaving the bag behind.
Victim Dies After Desperate Struggle
Leo called for help before collapsing. Passersby rushed to assist him, but he later died in hospital due to his injuries. A homicide investigation quickly identified Purnell-Taylor through CCTV and phone evidence.
He was traced to Kennington and arrested on 14 July. Notably, Purnell-Taylor had a cut on his hand, which he falsely claimed was a cooking accident, but was inflicted during the fight with Leo.
Detective Condemns Killer’s “Opportunistic” Attack
Detective Sergeant Rob Tickle said: “I am pleased with the unanimous guilty verdict. Purnell-Taylor’s claims of self-defence were rejected.
Leo Marcus was the victim of a violent, opportunistic street robbery. Purnell-Taylor carried a knife that day intending to use it – and he did, with devastating consequences.”
“Leo’s death is a heartbreaking tragedy, cutting short a young, promising life.
The family showed incredible dignity throughout the trial, despite their searing grief — a pain beyond words for those of us who haven’t lost a child.
I also want to salute the public and emergency workers who bravely tried to save Leo.”
