Teen Killer Boasts in Rap Lyrics After Stabbing and Dumping Victim in Canal – Found Guilty at Old Bailey!"

Hi and welcome to this Video Production News Court Report:

Teenager Convicted for Murder and Robbery in West London

A comprehensive investigation by the Metropolitan Police has led to the conviction of an 18-year-old for the brutal murder and robbery of 17-year-old Victor Lee.

On June 25, 2023, Victor Lee, a shy and introspective teenager from North Acton, was fatally stabbed near the Grand Union Canal in Scrubs Lane, W10, at approximately 17:30hrs. After being stabbed, he was pushed into the canal. Despite the quick actions of local residents who pulled him from the water and the emergency treatment administered by police officers and ambulance personnel, Victor tragically died at the scene.

The Met’s investigation swiftly linked Elijah Gookol-Mely, 18, to the crime through extensive analysis of mobile phone data, CCTV footage, and forensic evidence. A knife found at Gookol-Mely's home contained both Victor’s blood and the defendant’s DNA.

Detectives determined that the motive for the attack was robbery. Gookol-Mely stole Victor’s bike and rucksack, which officers believe contained several knives. Victor, who had an interest in buying and selling weapons online, had met Gookol-Mely to sell these items.

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, the senior investigating officer, provided insight into the case: “Victor was a young man who was not directly involved with gangs or criminality - he had an interest in buying, fixing and selling bikes. He had energy and drive but sadly not enough wisdom. His family have told me that he had an inability to properly assess situations, people or threats.”

DCI Howie further highlighted the ease with which young people can purchase weapons online, a factor that played a significant role in this tragedy. “Having previously purchased knives, Victor brought a crossbow online in the days before he was killed and seems to have sold this to his killer at around 3pm on the day of his murder. He was robbed and murdered when seeking to sell knives to him later that day."

On June 30, 2023, Gookol-Mely was arrested along with two other teenagers. All three were charged with murder and robbery the following day. After a trial at the Old Bailey, Gookol-Mely was found guilty by a majority verdict on June 17, 2023. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 19, 2023. The two other teenagers, aged 14 and 15 at the time of the attack, were found not guilty.

In a particularly chilling detail, a notebook was found in Gookol-Mely’s prison cell while he was on remand, containing rap lyrics that boasted about the murder. The court heard one of the verses: “Everyone on at the 8pm news, ITV, Sky, BBC; Broadcasting the stabbing I done. The people that knew me changed their views. I tried my best to leave no clues. My door got boomed my mum’s confused. No I don’t feel sorry for the yute.”

Victor’s family described him as a vulnerable and easily manipulated young man. They are understandably devastated by his death and continue to struggle with the loss. DCI Howie remarked: “Victor had his life ahead of him and his family have been torn apart by what happened to him. They are understandably still struggling to come to terms with his murder, and the events that led to his death at such a young age. My thoughts are with them today, and I can only hope that today’s conviction can bring them some small measure of comfort.”

Victor Lee’s tragic death underscores the dangers posed by the ease of access to weapons for young people. The conviction of Elijah Gookol-Mely brings some measure of justice, but the loss felt by Victor’s family and community remains profound.

Young people with information about violence or knife crime can visit [fearless.org](https://www.fearless.org) where they can pass on information anonymously. Fearless is part of the Crimestoppers charity and is independent of the police. They can also provide help or information to support someone who may be involved in knife crime.

Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.

Bénédict Tarot Freeman

Editor-at-Large

VPN City-Desk

citydesk@vpnldn.co.uk