A man described as “caring and compassionate” was tragically lured to his death by a childhood friend in a fatal revenge attack. Julian Ebanks, 21, was stabbed to death on Kender Street on August 4, 2023, by an attacker who remains on the run.
On Friday, Ismaiel Kallon, also 21, was sentenced to life in prison for Julian’s murder. Kallon, whom Julian regarded as a close friend, betrayed his trust and orchestrated the ambush that led to Julian’s death.
Revenge Plot
The court heard that the attack was part of a revenge plot stemming from the stabbing of a mutual friend in Surrey Quays months earlier. Kallon and others suspected Julian of being involved in that incident.
Reflecting on the night of his death, she said: “I often wonder if I had stopped Julian from leaving the home that night, my son would still be alive today. These thoughts haunt me at night.”
The Betrayal
Kallon, who handed himself in to police after the attack, claimed he was an “innocent dupe” in the killing. However, the jury found him guilty of murder, concluding he knowingly lured Julian into the ambush.
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Judge Nicholas Heathcote Williams told Kallon: “You exploited Julian’s trust in you as a supposed friend, deceived him, and lured him into an ambush.” While the judge accepted that Kallon may not have intended for Julian to be killed, he condemned him for doing nothing to help after the attack.
Sentencing and Manhunt
Kallon was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 22 years, minus time served on remand.
The individual suspected of carrying out the stabbing has fled the country and remains at large. Police continue to appeal for information on his whereabouts.
A Tragic Loss
Julian’s death has left his family and community devastated. Described by loved ones as a beacon of joy and kindness, his life was tragically cut short by the betrayal of someone he considered a trusted friend.
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Anyone with information about the suspect still at large is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police or Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
