More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Three teenagers have been jailed over the fatal stabbing of Dartford teenager Clinton Evbota.
The 18-year-old was killed opposite a nursery on the Brandon Estate in Camberwell, south London, in October 2019.
He had only recently moved to Kent with his family but was returning to visit friends.
Rio Williams, 19, and Carlos Roachford, 18, both of Stockwell, were both found guilty of murder after a trial at Woolwich Crown Court in December.
They were sentenced this week to 19 years and 18 years respectively.
A 16-year-old boy, who was convicted of manslaughter, was jailed for six years.
Police had been called just after 8.20pm on October 10 2019 after reports of an incident in Camberwell.
Officers found 18-year-old Clinton Evbota suffering stab injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene .
A post-mortem examination gave cause of death as multiple stab wounds.
The court heard how on the night of the murder, Williams and Roachford had congregated with the 16-year-old and others.
When they spotted Mr Evbota, they chased him with witnesses describing seeing Clinton pursued by a group of knife-wielding males before he was fatally attacked.
Despite being stabbed at least once, he had continued to run and tried to climb a tree in a desperate bid to escape, but he was pulled down and attacked by the group, who then fled the scene. The court heard witnesses describe them laughing and smiling as they ran off.
Members of the public came to Clinton's aid and called police and paramedics as he lay dying.
An investigation was launched by detectives from the Met Police's Specialist Crime Command, who identified those responsible. It has not been fully established as to why Clinton was targeted.
Detective Chief Inspector Mick Norman, lead investigator said: "Clinton Evbota's last moments were something no person should have to suffer. He was outnumbered and chased by a group who attacked him without mercy. Their actions were wicked and cowardly in the extreme.
"Clinton's family have endured so much throughout this trial. No sentence can ever absolve the pain of losing a loved one who had so much of his life to live, but I hope they can take some comfort in knowing that we have done all that we possibly could to get justice for them.
"I am proud of the efforts of my team, who have put everything into investigation. They have worked above and beyond to secure these convictions and significant sentencings. Detective Constable Gibson is especially deserving of praise for his efforts."
Giovanni Bennett, 18, of Lambeth, was found not guilty of murder and possession of an offensive weapon.
A 16-year-old from Camberwell, Calvin Lopoua, 18, and a 17-year-old boy were all found not guilty of murder but guilty of possession of an offensive weapon. They were sentenced to rehabilitation and supervision orders.
A 14-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of murder was released with no further action.
