Key Points:
- 20-year-old Jason Junior Romeo fatally stabbed in Hackney, east London, on Tuesday evening.
- Metropolitan Police searching for Renaldo Roberts, 25, in connection with the murder investigation.
- Public warned not to approach Roberts and instead call 999 if seen.
- Three men charged with murder: Raynolph Asante, 22, Travis Mitchell, 21, and Rhamyah Bailey-Edwards, 21.
- An 18-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder on Sunday remains in custody.
- Detectives state the investigation has progressed quickly with multiple arrests in five days.
- Local residents describe Romeo as a ‘good guy’ and express grief over his death.
- Police impose Section 60 stop and search powers in the area following the incident.
- Increased police presence in Hackney to reassure residents and address concerns.
Who is being sought in connection with the east London murder?
London, UK – Police are actively searching for Renaldo Roberts, 25, in connection with the fatal stabbing of Jason Junior Romeo, 20, in Hackney, east London. The Metropolitan Police have released Roberts’ image and urged the public not to approach him, instead advising anyone who sees him to dial 999 immediately.
Jason Junior Romeo was stabbed outside an address in Bodney Road at around 6pm on Tuesday, suffering fatal injuries. Emergency services responded swiftly, but he succumbed to his wounds at the scene.
Detective Superintendent Kelly Allen, from Specialist Crime North, stated, “This investigation has moved quickly, with officers arresting four men within five days. We are now in the position to release Renaldo Roberts’ details, who we would like to speak with to assist with our inquiries.”
Who has been charged in connection with the Hackney stabbing?
Three men have been formally charged with murder and appeared before Thames Magistrates’ Court on Monday:
- Raynolph Asante, 22, of Pembury Road
- Travis Mitchell, 21, of Bodney Road
- Rhamyah Bailey-Edwards, 21, of Williams Avenue, Walthamstow
Additionally, an 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Sunday and remains in custody as investigations continue.
How has the Hackney community reacted to the murder?
Local residents have expressed shock and sorrow over the death of Jason Junior Romeo. One resident, who had known Romeo for years, described him as a “good guy” who “was not a trouble-maker.”
A woman speaking to the PA news agency said, “What did he do to be dead? He’s like a family friend to me. To me and my son. My son is at home. I cannot even tell him that this boy is dead.”
What police measures are being taken in Hackney following the incident?
The Metropolitan Police have imposed additional stop and search powers under a Section 60 order in Hackney. This authorisation allows officers to search people without reasonable suspicion to prevent further violence.
Detective Superintendent Vicky Tunstall of the Central East Command Unit reassured the public, stating:
“We understand that the increased police presence in Hackney this week will be concerning for residents. Our officers will remain in the area carrying out increased patrols. I’d encourage residents to discuss any concerns they may have with officers on patrol.”
She also emphasised that reducing knife crime remains a priority, adding, “We will continue to work closely with partners for a safe borough.”
