South London Man Found Guilty of Brutal Murder Over Drug Debt
Dedan Simmons, 40, from Clapham Road, Stockwell, has been convicted of murdering Shaun McEvoy at Woolwich Crown Court. The chilling case revealed how Simmons savagely beat McEvoy to death over a drug debt.
Shocking Attack in Kennington Flat
Prosecutor Anne Whyte told the court that Simmons stormed into a flat on Durham Street, Kennington, demanding money McEvoy owed for drugs. Witnesses described Simmons shouting abuse before viciously assaulting McEvoy — stomping on his chest and threatening others with a knife.
Victim Found Dead After Horrific Beating
McEvoy, a vulnerable drug user with a chaotic lifestyle, was found unresponsive at the flat later that day. Emergency services arrived quickly but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death was blunt force trauma to the torso.
Witnesses Describe Terror and Violence
- One witness said they woke to Simmons, also known as “Elvis,” demanding cash before the savage attack began.
- Another described Simmons returning with a knife, ramping up the violence and fear.
Simmons now faces a mandatory life sentence and will be sentenced in April. The case has sparked outrage and highlighted the brutal dangers of drug violence in vulnerable communities.
