Lifers Locked Up Over Savage South London Murder
Three criminals have been handed life sentences for the brutal killing of Riches Obi in South East London back in 2020. The chilling case, cracked by Detective Chief Inspector Matt Webb from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, exposed a grim tale of violence and deceit.
Horrific Scene Discovered in Southwark Flat
On November 17, 2020, police responded to a call at Riches Obi’s home on Harper Road, Southwark. Officers found the front door ajar and stumbled upon Riches lying on the floor, suffering multiple stab and slash wounds. Despite desperate efforts by paramedics, he was declared dead at the scene.
Inside the flat, officers heard a woman’s voice from a bedroom. She was found bound with cable ties and gagged with a scarf, clearly terrified.
Scam, Violence and Cold-Blooded Murder
“We may never fully understand why Riches Obi was savagely attacked in his own home,” said DCI Webb. “We believe the three suspects were involved in a money-making scam targeting the woman in the flat. It’s unclear if Riches tried to intervene, but he was subjected to a sustained assault that ended his life.”
At the Old Bailey on July 12, the trio faced justice:
- Jurick Croes, 38, got a 30-year murder sentence plus 9 years for false imprisonment, serving concurrently. He’s credited for 877 days served.
- Raichell Felomina, 40, got 7 years 6 months for false imprisonment, with release possible after 5 years 4 months. He will be deported after release.
- Suvenca Martis, 35, was jailed for 11 years 6 months for false imprisonment and perverting the course of justice, with time served deducted. She too faces deportation.
The guilty verdict came after a tense Old Bailey trial on May 28.
Forensics and CCTV Crushed The Crooks
Police found a bag of cable ties matching those used on the woman, complete with a hardware store price tag. CCTV caught Martis buying them and leaving in a hired car during the days around the murder.
Martis’s phone revealed damning contacts linking her to Felomina and Croes, ferry bookings from Holland just before the attack, plus a suspicious search for heavy-duty duct tape the night before the murder.
Forensic DNA linked Felomina and Croes to two knives used in the attack, plus other items in the flat and the rented car. Croes’s blood was also found in the getaway vehicle.
Felomina was snapped up in Holland and extradited in November 2021. Croes fled to Colombia but was hauled back in February 2022 after an 18-month fight.
“International borders mean nothing to UK law enforcement,” praised DCI Webb. “The complex enquiries and forensics led to Martis’s arrest, which in turn exposed Felomina and Croes. Despite fleeing abroad, justice caught up with them.”
DCI Webb also offered heartfelt words for the victim’s loved ones: “Riches’ family have waited years for justice. I hope now they can cherish memories of Riches without this awful crime hanging over them.”
