A teenager has appeared at the Old Bailey charged with the alleged “tit-for-tat” murder of 15-year-old Daejaun Campbell, who was fatally stabbed with a zombie knife just two days before such weapons were banned.
Daejaun, who was attacked on Eglinton Road, Woolwich, in south-east uk/news/uk/LONDON" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="London" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="77392">London at around 6:35 pm on September 22, reportedly cried out, “I’m 15, don’t let me die” after being stabbed in the leg. Despite the best efforts of officers and paramedics at the scene, he died shortly after the attack.
Three young men have been charged with Daejaun’s murder, with the first, 18-year-old Jacob Losiewicz, appearing at the Old Bailey on Monday.
During the hearing, prosecutor William Emlyn Jones KC described the killing as an act of “tit-for-tat violence with all the hallmarks of a turf war.” It was alleged that Losiewicz had driven the group to the scene in his mother’s car.
The court heard that during the attack, Daejaun was stabbed fatally in the thigh, with additional injuries inflicted to his hands and a wound to his head. It is further alleged that before leaving the scene, one of the attackers retrieved a machete before fleeing.
Losiewicz appeared in court via video-link from Thameside prison and spoke only to confirm his identity. A plea hearing was scheduled for December 16, with a provisional trial date set for June 9 next year. He was remanded into custody.
Two other defendants, 18-year-old Marko Balaz of Sewell Road, Abbey Wood, and a 17-year-old youth, are expected to appear at the Old Bailey later this week.
In a statement issued earlier, Daejaun’s family called for an end to “this senseless killing.” They described Daejaun as a joyful young man known for “walking with the biggest smile and even bigger heart” and always doing his utmost to help others. They added, “Daejaun had a joyful spirit, full of wit and charm, with the incredible ability to light up a room with his presence and impactful smile.”
