Knife crime: Man jailed for murder of 16-year-old Damarie Roye in Croydon

A man who fatally stabbed teenager Damarie Roye in south London has been jailed for at least 28 years.

Damarie, who was just 16-years-old, was attacked as he cycled along Bensham Manor Road, Thornton Heath, Croydon, in July 2021.

He later died from his injuries, after two passersby drove him to hospital as he desperately fled the scene.

Byron Whyne, 20, of Grenaby Road, Croydon was arrested in the days after the attack.

He was later charged with Damarie’s murder and found guilty on Thursday, April 14, following a trial at Croydon Crown Court.

Whyne appeared at the same court on Thursday, April 28 where he was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 28 years.

The court heard that Whyne was motivated by jealousy.

Damarie was friends with a girl with whom Whyne had been in a relationship.

Whyne could not accept the situation and formed a grudge.

He was controlling, even after the relationship had ended and made threats, including with a knife.

On July 9 last year, he carried out those threats in a brutal attack.

Sentencing Whyne, His Honour Judge Gower QC commended DC Marie Harrild who played a key role gathering and analysing CCTV evidence that formed a key part of the prosecution.

He also praised the efforts of the two members of the public who helped Damarie as he desperately fled the scene of the attack.

They drove him to hospital in an effort to get him the medical attention he needed.

DCI Jo Sidaway, from the Met’s specialist crime command, said: “Byron Whyne murdered Damarie Roye in broad daylight.

“He was motivated only by jealousy and the community is safer knowing he will be off the streets for decades to come.

“I would also like to acknowledge the selfless actions of the two members of the public who came to Damarie’s aid.

“They showed compassion and calmness in the most distressing of circumstances.

“Our thoughts throughout this investigation have been with Damarie’s loved ones who have suffered such an unimaginably sad loss.”

A 25-year-old man who was also charged with murder was found not guilty at trial.