Boy stabbed to death with zombie knife two days before weapon banned

A teenager stabbed a 15-year-old boy to death with a zombie knife just two days before the weapons were banned, a court heard today.

Daejaun Campbell had cried out 'I'm 15, don't let me die' after being knifed in the leg on Eglinton Road, Woolwich at around 6.35pm on 22 September.

Three young men have been charged with his murder, with the first, Jacob Losiewicz, appearing at the Old Bailey on Monday.

Two other defendants, Marko Balaz, 18, of Sewell Road, Abbey Wood, and a 17-year-old youth, are expected to appear at the Old Bailey later this week. 

During the hearing, prosecutor William Emlyn Jones KC said the killing in Eglinton  south-east London came amid 'tit-for-tat violence with all the hallmarks of a turf war'.

A ban on owning zombie-style knives and machetes came into force on September 24, just two days after the stabbing.

It is alleged that Losiewicz, 18, had driven the group to the scene in his mother's car.

Ban on zombie-style knives and machetes comes into force 

The number of crimes involving machetes, swords or zombie knives has nearly doubled in five years, police figures suggest.

Data obtained by the BBC under the Freedom of Information Act showed that in 2023 the three types of weapons were mentioned in more than 14,000 crimes recorded by 32 police forces in England and Wales.

In 2019, there were 7,159 offences recorded as involving the large blades, which rose to 14,195 in 2023.

Nearly 10,000 of the offences recorded in 2023 involved machetes, double the number from five years before, the broadcaster reported.

On September 24, a ban on owning zombie-style knives and machetes came into force, following a four-week amnesty scheme where owners were encouraged to hand the weapons into police, local authorities or knife crime charities.

The ban is part of efforts to reduce knife crime, with campaigners including actor Idris Elba pushing for the large blades to be outlawed.

The Government plans to also ban ninja swords in the future.

During the attack, Daejaun was fatally stabbed in the thigh and also suffered injuries to his hands and a wound to the head, the court heard.

Before leaving the scene, it is alleged one of the attackers retrieved a machete before running away.

Losiewicz appeared in court via video-link from Thameside prison and spoke to confirm his identity during a short hearing before Judge Philip Katz KC.

A plea hearing was set for December 16 and a provisional trial from June 9 next year.

The defendant, of Church Manor Way, Abbey Wood, was remanded into custody.

Daejaun's family last week paid tribute, releasing the statement: 'Daejaun was a great kid who had a bright future ahead of him, he was loved by his family and friends, as well as strangers who had interacted with him, and he has left a great impression with them.

'His calming nature and enthusiastic attitude would manifest a happy atmosphere amongst his family and friends wherever he went.

'Daejaun was known for walking with the biggest smile and even bigger heart, he would always do his up most best to help anyone.

They continued: 'Daejaun had a joyful spirit, full of wit and charm with the incredible ability to light up a room with his presence and impactful smile.

'He is deeply loved by his family and though we should have many more years of memories with him, we will cherish the amazing memories he's left behind.

'His friends would say there wasn't anything that he couldn't do if he put his mind to it, he kept himself to himself and lived life to the fullest.

'Our Daejaun was naturally gifted, intelligent, creative and a mathematician with his quick thinking as well as musically talented.

They urged for the 'senseless killing' to stop, painfully noting that Daejaun was 'not the first young person nor will he be the last' to be brutally killed.

'How many mothers, fathers, grandparents and love ones must go through this excruciating pain of releasing these heart breaking statements, sharing our grief because we have lost our children and grandchildren,' they said.

'Why are parents burying their children, when a child's place is by their mother's side?

'We must come together to bring change, solutions need to be put in place, we must do all we can together to ensure our young have the brightest of futures. #sayhisnameDaejaun

'We as a family, again would like to thank you all for the support and kind messages.'

Police previously said the boy's murder was a 'stark and sobering reminder of the danger of zombie-style knives'.

Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn who is leading the investigation said: 'We are diligently progressing this investigation thanks to officers and detectives who have been working tirelessly throughout the week.

'Daejaun was only 15 when he lost his life. His family are understandably devastated.'

Friends have also paid tribute to the sporty youngster at a makeshift shrine on the spot in Woolwich, where he was attacked.

Up to 150 family and friends attended a vigil at the scene last Monday and heard appeals for an end to knife crime.

They stacked flowers, cards and balloons - many in Daejaun's favourite colours, blue and purple - in the shape of a pyramid.

His family nickname 'Pud' was also spelled out in coloured tea lights on the pavement alongside.

Daejaun's best friend, who did not want to be named, said: 'He was charismatic, he had everyone's best interests at heart.

'He would do so much for other people, more than he would do for himself and I always told him that's a good trait to have, but always look out for yourself as well.'