Men ordered pints of Guinness in pub minutes after stabbing 22-year-old to death (2025)

David Walcott, 35, and Rammon Mali, 33, were jailed for stabbing 22-year-old Rijkaard Siafa to death in April last year - meanwhile a third alleged attacker remains at large

Two killers who went to the pub for a pint of Guinness after stabbing their victim to death have been jailed for life. David Walcott, 35, and Rammon Mali, 33, were convicted following a five week trial at the Old Bailey, of stabbing 22-year-old Rijkaard Siafa to death in April last year. Walcott was also found guilty of having an article with a blade or point.

The court heard how the defendants chased Mr Siafa down an alleyway in Croydon, south London, in front of a crowded marketplace and stabbed him at least 13 times in 20 seconds. A third alleged attacker, Jordan Vincent is still wanted by police.

CCTV was played to the jury showing Walcott and Mali together with a third man searching the streets before the premeditated attack. The group was then filmed heading towards a covered passageway called Fellmongers Yard where they come across their victim, Mr Siafa.

Prosecution barrister Anthony Orchard KC said Mr Siafa "immediately turned and ran," heading back in the direction he came from, with the two defendants and their companion giving chase.

Just 20 seconds later the three were filmed running out of the yard in front of a crowd who had gathered in Surrey Street, where a fruit and vegetable market was being held.

Walcott appeared to be holding a knife in his hand, the jury heard.

An eye witness gave evidence saying he had seen Mr Siafa on the ground trying to protect himself as one attacker stabbed him twice to the chest, before seeing the crowd and running off.

The eyewitness said the stabber appeared to be the tallest of the three attackers - the prosecution alleged this was Mali. He also said he tried to provide first aid to Mr Siafa until the emergency services arrived, but he died at the scene from his injuries.

The two defendants and the third man then headed to the Spread Eagle pub where they ordered three pints of Guinness and rang for a cab, before leaving through the beer garden without finishing their drinks, the court heard.

When Walcott was later arrested in south-west London he told police: "I'm not a murderer bro, I didn't kill nobody."

Mali, who left the country, was arrested on his return at Gatwick airport.

Both defendants admitted being at the scene of the attack but denied being involved in the stabbing - with Walcott claiming he had only come across a knife in the passageway where the attack took place.

The force has offered a reward of up to £10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and charge of Mr Vincent.

On Thursday (April 17), Judge Anuja Dhir KC jailed the pair for life with a minimum terms of 27 years.

Judge Dhir said it was a premediated killing committed by three males armed with knives against one man.

She said: “It was planned, it was quick, it was brutal and committed in a public place.”

Hassanatu Bah, Rijkaard's mother, said: "Anyone who knew Rijkaard would tell you how truly special he was. He had a soul so gentle and a heart so kind that his love and care touched everyone around him.

"His dreams were big, his zest for life unmatched. He was driven by hope and ambition, and his future was filled with endless possibilities - dreams that were cruelly stolen from him."

Ms Bah said her son was a devout Muslim who was “deeply committed to helping others and dreamed of doing so much more for his communities”.

Addressing the defendants, she said: “This is not the end for my son. You took his life, but you will never take his light, his love, or the memory of who he was and what he stood for.”

The court was told both defendants have a string of previous convictions.

Walcott has convictions for 15 offences including two for possession of an offensive weapon in public, common assault and causing grievous bodily harm.

Mali has convictions for 14 offences including having a bladed article, robbery, and assault.

Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Townsend, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: "It’s clear Walcott and Mali are dangerous and unpredictable individuals and I am relieved they will remain behind bars for a significant period of time.

“I am extremely grateful to those who have come forward so far, however Jordan Vincent remains wanted for the murder of Rijkaard Siafa and my team remains determined to bring all of those responsible to justice.

“I am appealing to people to dig deep into their consciences and assist us with the whereabouts of Jordan Vincent. There is a £10,000 reward available for information which leads to his arrest and conviction. If you have any information, no matter how insignificant you may think it is – please get in contact, it could be crucial.”

Anyone who has information or footage can call 0208 721 4961 referencing Op Biscot or call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

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