Teen Drug Dealer Jailed for Life Over Brutal Chatham Murder
An 18-year-old drug dealer has been locked up for life after chasing down and stabbing a man to death in Medway. Nathan Kitenge, from east London, must serve at least 15 years before he can apply for parole.
Cold-Blooded Attack in Broad Daylight
On the morning of 20 December 2019, Kitenge travelled by train from Barking, east London, to Gillingham. Within an hour of arrival, he fatally stabbed 35-year-old Tony Eastwood five times during a vicious attack on Fox Street.
CCTV captured Kitenge trailing Mr Eastwood through the High Street before a brief confrontation turned deadly. Despite emergency services rushing to the scene, Mr Eastwood was pronounced dead.
Pinpointed by Police After Fleeing Country
Kitenge tried to flee the country but was caught on a train heading for Paris in January 2020. Detectives tracked him using mobile phone data tied to a taxi he booked on the day of the murder.
He denied the killing, claiming someone stole his clothes and committed the crime in them. The jury was unconvinced and found him guilty at Maidstone Crown Court in July 2020. Sentencing took place in August.
Drug-Related Violence at Heart of Murder
Senior Detective Chief Inspector Tristan Kluibenschadl said the case highlights the violent reality of county lines drug dealing. “Kitenge murdered Mr Eastwood in broad daylight with total disregard for his family, friends and witnesses,” he said.
“His excuse that someone else stole his clothes before attacking Mr Eastwood was ludicrous.”
“Class A drugs ruin lives, as this tragic case proves.”
Kent Police takes a zero tolerance approach to such violence and will not stand for it.
This grim case shines a stark light on the deadly consequences of drug crime spreading across UK towns.
