Zaian Aimable-Lina murder, Croydon: Teenager convicted of killing unarmed 15-year-old

A teenage boy has been convicted of the murder of an unarmed 5-year-old.

Zaian Aimable-Lina died after being stabbed multiple times in Croydon in December 2021.

A 17-year-old was found guilty of murder and possession of a bladed article at the Old Bailey on Friday (April 14).

Zaian was with friends near Ashburton Park at around 7pm on December 30, 2021 when he was confronted by the defendant, who was known to him. He was attacked, with the killer stabbing him three times before fleeing.

Zaian’s friends flagged down police officers and they found him suffering from knife injuries. They provided first aid until London Ambulance Service arrived. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene at 7.36pm.

A post-mortem examination on January 1 gave cause of death as a stab wound to the heart.

The defendant, who was aged 15 at the time, was arrested on suspicion of murder January 1 2022.

Detective Sergeant Christina Clayton, Specialist Crime, said: “The motive for the horrific attack on Zaian has never been satisfactorily explained. Zaian was unarmed and wasn’t seeking any confrontation. His life was ended in a brief but deadly outburst of violence from the defendant; Zaian was but an unsuspecting victim.

“His devastated family will continue to grieve the loss of his young life for many, many years to come. My thoughts, and that of my team, are with them today.”

The 17-year-old is due to be sentenced at the Old Bailey on May 26.