Two cousins who murdered an 18-year-old in Dulwich were today sentenced to life in jail for the crime.
Kieran Robinson, 22, from Streatham, and Sean Robinson, 27, from Penge, were sentenced at the Old Bailey for the murder of Donnell Rhule, who died after suffering multiple stab wounds, one of which was to the heart, on the Kingswood Estate in 2020.
The men have been sentenced to life imprisonment, to serve a minimum of 23 years each.
Detective Sergeant Iain Law, who worked on the investigation, said: “Today is not a day to celebrate but I do hope this verdict provides some comfort to Donnell’s family as they continue to come to terms with their loss.
“Both defendants colluded together to carry out the attack in broad daylight and in front of horrified members of the public. I would like to praise those witnesses for the bravery they have shown and the support they have given our investigation.”
Police were called to the estate at around 6.30pm on July 8 2020 after Donnell was found injured. He was pronounced dead at the scene a short while later.
Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command launched a murder investigation, speaking to witnesses in the area.
The investigation revealed that Donnell had been with a group of friends when he was confronted by Kieran Robinson, who was erratically riding a moped around the estate. Kieran was joined by his cousin Sean, who was travelling as a passenger in a car being driven by another man.
Witnesses reported hearing Sean encourage Kieran to attack Donnell, leading to him stabbing Donnell three times with a Rambo-style knife. One of the strikes went through Donnell’s heart.
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Donnell and a friend ran from the area down an alleyway behind a row of shops. Both defendants gave chase on the moped. A witness reported seeing Sean carrying a large knife. Both men then rode out of the estate on the moped.
Having been seriously injured, Donnell collapsed on the grass. Members of the public provided first aid until the emergency services arrived.
The attackers were caught on CCTV meeting with the driver of the car. They left in different directions.
After being arrested, they were interviewed. Kieran refused to comment during the interview, although later tried to claim that he was acting in self-defence after Donnell allegedly threatened him with a knife. No evidence suggests this to be the case.
Sean claimed he had gone to the estate to buy cannabis and that he had no involvement in the attack.
