In a grim turn of events, four individuals have been sentenced for the murder of Emmanuel Odunlami, a 32-year-old music industry boss, over a counterfeit Patek Philippe watch. The incident, which transpired in the City of London in May 2022, saw Odunlami tragically lose his life.
The principal perpetrator, Jordell Menzies, aged 27 and hailing from Brent, has been handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 31 years for the murder of Mr. Odunlami. In addition, Menzies has received an eight-year concurrent sentence for robbery.
Three other accomplices involved in the crime have been convicted of manslaughter and robbery, each receiving respective sentences:
• Quincy Ffrench, aged 28 from Tottenham, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for manslaughter, alongside seven years and four months for robbery, to run concurrently.
• Louis Vandrose, aged 28 of Thornton Heath, has been handed a 15-year prison sentence for manslaughter, coupled with seven years and four months for robbery, to run concurrently.
• Kavindu Hettiarachchi, also known as KBrown Lankan, aged 31 from Harrow, has received a 13-year prison term for manslaughter, in addition to 10 years for robbery, to run concurrently.
The tragic sequence of events unfolded during a private party at Haz Restaurant on Foster Lane, where Mr. Odunlami was celebrating his birthday. Unbeknownst to him, he was being stalked by the perpetrators, who identified him as a potential target due to a counterfeit luxury watch he was wearing.
At approximately 11:20 pm, as the birthday celebration drew to a close, Odunlami was followed by Menzies, Vandrose, and Ffrench. The gang pursued him from their vehicle, with Menzies ultimately fatally stabbing him in the heart. Vandrose and Ffrench then proceeded to rob Odunlami before fleeing the scene in their getaway car.
Despite efforts from friends and law enforcement to render aid, Odunlami succumbed to his injuries at Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel.
The severity of the crime was compounded by the involvement of Kavindu Hettiarachchi, who, as a security guard at the event, facilitated the targeting of Odunlami. Shocking CCTV footage captured Hettiarachchi’s complicity in the attack.
The investigation led to the arrest and subsequent conviction of all involved parties. Menzies, Ffrench, Vandrose, and Hettiarachchi have faced justice for their roles in the tragic murder.
Detective Chief Inspector Edelle Michaels from the City of London Police Major Crime Team condemned the callous nature of the crime, emphasizing the devastation inflicted upon Odunlami’s family and friends. She underscored the relentless pursuit of justice for victims of such heinous acts and affirmed the commitment of law enforcement to ensure public safety.
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