Man jailed for life for murdering 20-year-old in Clapton stabbing
A court heard the stabbing was in retaliation after a fight over a girl
A man has been jailed for life for murdering a 20 year old man in north east London.
Jason Romeo was found stabbed to death outside a property in Bodney Road, Clapton, in February 18 2025 following a fight.
The Old Bailey heard how Raynolph Asante, 22, of Vanguard Street, Deptford, murdered Jason as an act of retaliation for an earlier violent confrontation between them that evening, which stemmed from a dispute over a girl.
Following a trial in October 2025, a judge ordered Asante to serve a minimum of 21 years on Friday 30 January 2026.
The trial heard CCTV footage of the actual offence was limited and Metropolitan Police detectives widened enquiries to include vehicles attending the scene. This, alongside detailed analysis of phone data, led to Asante being identified as a person of interest.
Warrants were executed and houses searched, uncovering further evidence, although the suspects initially remained outstanding. Police then made the decision to name Asante in a media appeal and release his photograph, resulting in him handing himself in and being charged on Sunday 23rd February.
Detective Superintendent Kelly Allen, who led the investigation, said: “My team worked tirelessly to secure today’s outcome, meticulously analysing CCTV footage and pursuing a public appeal that was vital in identifying Asante.
“On the night in question, Raynolph Asante chose to respond with deadly force, gathering others to confront Jason and ultimately stabbing him in the street. There is absolutely no justification for such violence.
“While no sentence can undo the pain Jason’s loved ones live with, we hope today’s result brings them some measure of comfort as they continue to grieve.”
Jason’s mother added: “I am grateful for the jury for making the right decision and now we can have closure from the sentence given and have time to grieve.”
Four other men were charged with murder and found not guilty.
The Met Police says the case highlights the devastation of knife crime, which rips families apart and has lasting implications across communities. The Met has once again reaffirmed its commitment to tacking serious violence, targeting dangerous offenders and taking weapons from London’s streets.