A killer who shouted “die die die!” as he stabbed a man to death with two knives has been jailed for life.
Dellan Charles, 23, chased and murdered Sean O’Neill on Reynolds Road in Hayes, west London, on the evening of Thursday 18 May 2023.
Police have said the attack took place in “broad daylight” following an earlier altercation between “rival groups” on Reynolds Road.
Charles later cornered Mr O’Neill on the “quiet residential street” before using two knives to stab him multiple times, the force added.
During his trial at Kingston Crown Court, the jury was told how Charles shouted “die die die” while delivering the fatal blows.
CCTV footage shows him calmly leaving the scene before fleeing the area by trespassing through leafy suburban gardens.
Dellan had disposed of one of his knives at an address near to where the attack took place, the jury was told.
He was arrested 10 months later in Coventry, West Midlands, on Wednesday 27 March 2024 following an “extensive manhunt”, police said.
Dellan was convicted of murder in December last year.
He was told he will serve a minimum of 23 years at his sentencing at Kingston Crown Court today.
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The jury was told Mr O’Neill was a funny, kind and sociable person and that many people have been affected by his death.
In a statement previously provided by his family, they said: “Sean will be remembered for his big heart, charming smile and fun-loving personality. He is incredibly loved by us all and we miss him every day.”
Detective Inspector Kevin Martin, who led the investigation, said: “Myself and the team once again pay tribute to Sean’s family who, throughout this distressing time, have shown real strength and togetherness.
“Heartbreakingly, nothing will ever bring Sean back, but today, the man responsible for taking him away from his much-loved family has been forced to face the reality of his malicious actions.”
