Four teenagers guilty of murdering Daniel Laskos, 16, in ‘frenzied’ stabbing

Four teenagers have been convicted of murder after a 16-year-old boy was stabbed to death in Havering last year. Daniel Laskos was the victim of a “frenzied attack” involving knives and a baton on May 7, 2021. All of the men appeared for trial at the Old Bailey today (Friday, April 1).

The court heard that police were called to reports of a fight between armed groups of men at 6.41pm outside a shop on Church Road, Harold Wood. When officers and the London Ambulance Service arrived, members of the public were administering first aid to the victim, who had a serious knife wound to his neck. London’s Air Ambulance were also called but despite the efforts of the public and emergency services, Daniel was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 16-year-old boy was convicted of his murder today while 19-year-old Joshua Kerr, from South Norwood, was similarly convicted of murder. 20-year-old Callum Hands, from Dagenham, was also convicted of murder. And 19-year-old Rakeem Green-Matthews, from Romford, was convicted of murder. The four are remanded in custody to appear for sentencing at the same court on Thursday, April 7.

READ MORE:Man who stabbed cousin to death moments after screaming ‘I’m going to knife you’ jailed for life

19-year-old Loushawn Barnes and 18-year-old Renee St Ange were found not guilty of murder or manslaughter.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Whellams of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, who led the murder investigation, said: “This entire incident was captured on CCTV that my team has studied at length.

“The footage clearly showed Daniel Laskos standing on the pavement with a friend on Church Road when the suspects approached them. Pulling knives and a baton from their clothing they charged them. Daniel and his friend instinctively tried to back away, but were caught and stabbed in a targeted, frenzied attack.

“We still don’t know what the circumstances were that motivated this murder. What we do know is that a family is changed forever and continues to struggle to come to terms with their loss. Our thoughts are with them today.

“We also know that four young men will forfeit their futures as a result.

“As homicide detectives we see the effects of extreme violence as part of our daily professional lives, and the speed with which often minor disputes can escalate into extreme violence goes far beyond our comprehension.

“It is vital that the community, educators and police work together to stop this mindless and wholly needless loss of our young men’s lives. If you know someone who carries weapons or is involved in violent crime please do the right thing and tell police what you know – your actions could save a life.”

There are a number of ways that concerned citizens can provide information. They can report to police by dialling 101 or online at www.Met.police.uk. They can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Any young people who have information about violence or knife crime, can visit www.fearless.org where they can pass on information anonymously.

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