Teenagers Convicted of Murder and Manslaughter in Unprovoked Attack on 15-Year-Old Boy

Strategic Insights -

Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn stated that the murder of a 15-year-old boy, Daejaun Campbell, shocked the local community and will forever impact his grieving family. The victim was fatally stabbed during a disturbance on Eglington Road in London. Two teenagers, Marko Balaz, 19, and a 17-year-old boy, were convicted of manslaughter and murder, respectively. A third teenager, Jacob Losiewicz, 18, was acquitted of murder.

Key Takeaways:

  • Two teenagers, Marko Balaz, 19, and a 17-year-old boy, were convicted of manslaughter and murder, respectively, in the unprovoked attack of 15-year-old Daejaun Campbell.
  • A third teenager, Jacob Losiewicz, 18, was acquitted of murder.
  • The exact motive for the attack remains unclear, but Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn believes it may be linked to exploitation in the area and a possible opposing drug line.
  • The three teenagers were charged with murder and remanded into custody after a murder investigation was launched on September 22, 2024.
  • The victim, Daejaun, died after sustaining multiple stab wounds and being chased down the street before being attacked with a machete.
  • Brave members of the public ran to help Daejaun, who was lying on the floor, and the London Ambulance Service and HEMS attended the scene but sadly Daejaun died shortly after.

Statistics:

  • 6 weeks: the duration of the trial
  • 2: the number of teenagers convicted of manslaughter and murder
  • 1: the number of teenager acquitted of murder
  • 15: the age of the victim, Daejaun Campbell
  • 1: the number of murder investigation commenced on October 22, 2024
  • 4: the number of stab wounds sustained by Daejaun
  • 1: the number of machete used in the attack

Sources:

  • Metropolitan Police Department
  • Old Bailey
  • London Ambulance Service
  • HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service)