Man Killed by Pals Who Plotted Homicide on Snapchat: Police

In keeping with Metropolitan Police, 20-year-old Keahn Williams (above proper) and Kai Nelson-Palmer (above left), who simply turned 18, had been sentenced to life in jail for the homicide of Lucas Sutton (middle) 22, in 2023. Whereas the 2 had been discovered responsible in April 2024 and acquired their sentences in August 2024, reporting restrictions had been lifted over the weekend — probably tied to Neson-Palmer’s 18th birthday.

Per police, Williams will serve a minimal time period of 23 years and Nelson-Palmer a minimal time period of 16.

Calling Sutton’s demise a “brutal homicide,” authorities say the sufferer was “lured” to an handle in Croydon earlier than being fatally stabbed on Could 23, 2023.

That day, Sutton was seen going into an condominium, the place he was joined by the 2 convicted killers. Per police, “whether or not Lucas knew the others had been going to be there’s not clear, however he left the flat with Williams and Nelson-Palmer to stroll to a store to purchase drinks.”

Safety footage launched by police exhibits Nelson-Palmer and Lucas leaving the shop, with Williams ready exterior, moments earlier than the alleged assault.

“Unbeknownst to Lucas, that they had been exchanging Snapchat messages within the days main as much as the assembly with the intention of attacking him,” stated police. “As they returned from store in Northbrook Street, Williams produced a knife and stabbed Lucas who was caught fully unaware.”

Authorities additionally launched a photograph of Nelson-Palmer holding a large knife, allegedly discovered on Snapchat. The knife within the photograph, police affirm to TooFab, was not used within the assault.

After being stabbed, Lucas made a run for it — as Williams and Nelson-Palmer adopted, in line with authorities. Williams then allegedly stabbed Lucas once more, earlier than the sufferer “burst into an area pub asking for assist” and “collapsed on the ground.” He later died on the hospital.

Police say each attackers “fled” the scene, with Williams being seen in footage getting right into a taxi — with police noticed within the background of the video.

Authorities additionally declare CCTV confirmed Williams “carrying a particular balaclava as he chased Lucas down the road” — earlier than an analogous merchandise was found at an handle linked to him. Per police, Nelson-Palmer’s telephone “revealed the plotting that had taken place” between him and Williams.

Family and friends of Lucas, in the meantime, stated he “appeared withdrawn and afraid” earlier than he was attacked and informed them “he had upset folks and feared for his security.”

“The proof gathered and introduced to the jury constructed up a transparent image of a plot to lure Lucas to an handle in Croydon, act as if nothing was fallacious, after which violently assault him,” stated Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command.

“Lucas and one of many defendants had been buddies however within the minds of the group, Lucas had crossed them by trying to do away with a firearm he had been holding onto. This perceived betrayal was the motivation for this lethal assault,” he added.

“It’s clear within the weeks main as much as the homicide that Lucas realized he was at risk however he didn’t suspect it was from these he considered his buddies,” stated Howie. “This was a pre-meditated, callous act that has left Lucas’s household and buddies completely devastated. Whereas these accountable have been held to account for his or her actions, I do know it will do little to ease the insufferable ache Lucas’s family members proceed to endure.”

In a press release, Lucas’ household stated his homicide “has left a big gap in our lives which might by no means be stuffed.”

“Lucas wasn’t good, he made errors however he was ours. He had a vibrant future forward of him, but it surely has been taken away from him,” they continued. “They haven’t solely taken away a nephew however a son, a grandson, a brother, a cousin, a father, a companion, a pal and a lot extra. We sit at residence within the night nearly anticipating him to come back in with a smile on his face, however he by no means does.”

“He leaves behind his younger son who should develop up with out his greatest pal and father,” they concluded. “It breaks our coronary heart that he won’t ever see his Dad once more, we typically see him watching his buddies enjoying with their dads, and we simply assume he won’t ever have that.”

Per police, a 19-year-old man was additionally acquitted of Lucas’ homicide earlier this month.