Life Sentence for Murderer of Teen Victor Lee
Elijah Gookol-Mely, 18, from Australia Road, W12, was sentenced to life imprisonment at the Old Bailey on Friday, 19 July. He was found guilty of the brutal murder and robbery of 17-year-old Victor Lee. Gookol-Mely will serve a minimum of 20 years behind bars.
Family Heartbroken After Horrific Killing
Detectives have praised Victor’s family for their courage during the trial, where they had to endure graphic details of his savage murder. Victor was known as shy and vulnerable, often at risk of exploitation.
Victor’s mother said:
“In June 2023, my whole life immediately changed, the very meaning of life was shaken…. There was only emptiness and darkness around me. Victor was a child of love, loved by many people who valued him. Victor lives on in my heart, and in the hearts of those who love him.”
His father added:
“The death of Victor is like a festering wound that you try to keep clean but won’t heal. We will never have him back, be able to have a discussion about family or life or the world. We will never be able to celebrate his future achievements and life moments, nor will we have closure. I do not believe we have been served by the court system or had justice for the killing of our son Victor. We will have to live with that for the rest of our lives.”
Victor’s sister shared her pain:
“My only brother played an integral role in shaping my childhood, serving not only as a sibling but as a best friend. Our shared memories… are now my cherished memories that I rely on in his absence. The once lively atmosphere of our home has been replaced by an eerie silence. Victor was always there to console and support me, which I deeply miss, especially facing the future without him. I think of Victor’s last moments, cold and alone, deep in that canal with unimaginable pain all over his body.”
Grim Details of the Attack
On 25 June 2023, at around 5:30 pm, Victor was attacked near the Grand Union Canal in Scrubs Lane, W10. He was stabbed and then pushed into the canal. Locals rushed to rescue him, and emergency services provided treatment, but Victor tragically died at the scene.
The Metropolitan Police linked Gookol-Mely to the murder through mobile phone data, CCTV footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence, including Victor’s stolen bag found nearby. A knife recovered from Gookol-Mely’s home bore Victor’s blood and the defendant’s DNA.
Motive Was Robbery, Say Cops
Detectives confirmed robbery as the motive. Gookol-Mely stole Victor’s bike and rucksack, believed to contain several knives.
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, lead investigator, said:
“Victor was a 17-year-old young man who was not involved with gangs or crime. He had his life ahead of him. His family have been torn apart by what happened in the most shocking, brutal and disturbing circumstances. During the trial, Victor’s family heard deeply traumatising evidence of the violence he endured. No sentence can bring Victor back or heal the loss of a son, brother and friend. But we are glad Elijah Gookol-Mely will spend at least 20 years in prison, where he cannot destroy another family.”
