Teen Killer Sentenced to Life: 20 Years Minimum for Brutal Canal Stabbing of 17-Year-Old Victor Lee! Family Devastated, Murderer Boasted in Rap Lyrics!

Hi and welcome to this Video Production News Court and Sentencing update.

Teenager Jailed for Minimum of 20 Years Following Fatal Stabbing in West London.

A teenager has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of the brutal murder and robbery of 17-year-old Victor Lee. This update provides the latest developments in the case and recaps the tragic details for those who may have missed our previous coverage.

On July 19, 2023, Elijah Gookol-Mely, 18, of Australia Road, W12, was sentenced at the Old Bailey to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years. This severe sentence underscores the gravity of his actions and serves as a stark warning to others about the dire consequences of such crimes.

Victor Lee, described by his family as shy, introspective, and easily manipulated, was fatally stabbed near the Grand Union Canal in Scrubs Lane, W10, on June 25, 2023. Despite the quick actions of local residents and emergency responders, Victor died at the scene. The investigation by the Metropolitan Police linked Gookol-Mely to the crime through extensive analysis of mobile phone data, CCTV footage, and forensic evidence, including a knife found at Gookol-Mely’s home bearing both Victor’s blood and the defendant’s DNA.

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, the senior investigating officer, emphasized the senselessness of the crime, stating: “Victor was a 17-year-old young man who was not directly involved with gangs or criminality. He had his life ahead of him and his family have been torn apart by what happened to him, in the most shocking, brutal and disturbing circumstances."

The motive for the attack was determined to be robbery, with Gookol-Mely stealing Victor’s bike and rucksack, which officers believe contained several knives. Victor had met Gookol-Mely to sell these items, having developed an interest in buying and selling weapons online.

Victor’s family, who endured the harrowing details of the trial, have spoken out about their immense loss. His mother said: “In June 2023, my whole life immediately changed, the very meaning of life was shaken…. There was only emptiness and darkness around me. Victor was a child of love, loved by many people who valued him. Victor lives on in my heart, and in the hearts of those who love him.”

Victor’s father added: “The death of Victor is like a festering wound that you try to keep clean but won’t heal. We will never have him back, be able to have a discussion about family or life or the world. We will never be able to celebrate his future achievements and life moments, nor will we have closure. I do not believe we have been served by the court system or had justice for the killing of our son Victor. We will have to live with that for the rest of our lives.”

In a poignant statement, Victor’s sister reflected on the impact of her brother’s death: “My only brother played an integral role in shaping my childhood, serving not only as a sibling but as a best friend. Our shared memories, from playful adventures on holiday to heartfelt conversations, are now my cherished memories that I rely on in his absence; memories I thought we could bond over once we grow old and our parents pass away. The once lively atmosphere of our home has been replaced by an eerie silence. Of course, there was typical sibling rivalry but in my darkest days, Victor was always there to accompany, console and support me which is something I deeply miss, particularly as I face the future without him. I go to bed at night thinking about Victor’s last moments and what he must have felt, cold and alone, deep in that canal with unimaginable pain all over his body.”

Detective Chief Inspector Howie also commented on the significance of the sentence: “During the trial, Victor’s family listened to deeply traumatizing evidence of the violent acts committed against him. No sentence can ever bring Victor back or compensate for the loss of a son, brother, and friend, but I and my team are glad to see that the term handed down today means that Elijah Gookol-Mely will spend 20 years in prison, where he cannot destroy another family.”

This case highlights the severe consequences of violent crime and serves as a sobering reminder to young people that such actions will result in the destruction of lives, including their own. The minimum term of 20 years means that Gookol-Mely will spend his most productive and formative years behind bars.

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