Three men found guilty of Taylor Cox’s brutal murder in Islington
Three men convicted for the cold-blooded murder of 19-year-old Taylor Cox after a devastating shooting in Islington. Jaden McGibbon, Robel Michael, and Sichem Mangituka-Mpelo were found guilty on Friday, 20 October at the Old Bailey. They remain in custody ahead of sentencing on 15 December. Meanwhile, Dunia Oukili has been convicted of perverting the course of justice for helping McGibbon evade arrest.
Violent crime on London’s streets
Detective Chief Inspector Linda Bradley of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command expressed deep sorrow over Taylor’s tragic death. She warned that violence is never the answer.
“We hope these convictions and the defendants’ impending jail time send a clear message to anyone who thinks weapons solve conflicts,” said DCI Bradley. “Our sympathies are with Taylor’s family — nothing brings him back, but we hope justice brings some comfort.”
The chilling night of the shooting
- On 8 June 2021, police were called to Hornsey Rise Gardens, N19 after reports of gunfire.
- They found Taylor from Barnet critically injured with a gunshot wound to the head.
- Despite urgent medical efforts, Taylor tragically died at the scene.
- The suspects fled immediately after the shooting.
The hunt and conviction
McGibbon attempted to cover his tracks by wearing a balaclava and riding a bike to the scene. After the shooting, his girlfriend, Dunia Oukili, helped him dodge police by booking a hotel room and buying him a phone. But police recovered spent bullet cartridges from Oukili’s bag matching the gun used in the murder.
Officers spent hours piecing together CCTV footage, tracking McGibbon down. He was arrested on 12 June 2021 and charged with murder the next day. Michael and Mangituka-Mpelo were also arrested and charged in connection with the killing.
A father’s heartbreaking tribute
Taylor’s dad, David Campbell, thanked police for their relentless work but admitted the verdict doesn’t erase his grief.
“Justice has been done, but it won’t bring my son back or lessen the pain of never seeing him again,” Campbell said.
