A Hackney man has been convicted at the Old Bailey for the fatal stabbing of a 20-year-old in Clapton, bringing some closure to the victim’s grieving family.
Raynolph Asante, 22, of Pembury Road, Hackney, was found guilty of murdering Jason Romeo outside a Bodney Road address on 18 February. The killing was reportedly in retaliation after a violent dispute between the pair earlier that evening.
Despite limited CCTV footage of the incident, police launched an intensive investigation. Detectives used CCTV, vehicle tracking, and mobile phone data to identify Asante as a key suspect. While he initially evaded arrest, a public media appeal and release of his photo led to his voluntary surrender three days after the incident.
Jason’s family expressed relief after the verdict, saying: “The last ten months have been the most difficult of our lives, but we are so relieved that today we have got justice for Jason. He will always be remembered and forever loved.”
Detective Superintendent Kelly Allen, who led the investigation, highlighted the devastating impact of Asante’s actions on the family and the wider community. “Our team chased every lead — analysing CCTV and launching a media appeal — to bring him to justice. We hope today’s verdict offers Jason’s loved ones some comfort,” she said.
Four other men charged in connection with the case — Joshua Ogedengbe, Travis Mitchell, and Rhamyah Bailey-Edwards — were acquitted. Asante is due to be sentenced on Friday, 23 January 2026.
