News RSS Feed


SHAKILUS TOWNSEND: Timeline of murder case


HOW the Shakilus Townsend case unfolded:

July 3, 2008: Shakilus Townsend is repeatedly stabbed in Beluah Crescent, Thornton Heath, at around 1.45pm after being seen chased by a group of hooded youths.

July 4, 2008: Shakilus dies in St George’s Hospital, Tooting, as the stab wounds have cut through his liver and several arteries. He bleeds to death.

July 4, 2008: Police release a description of the gang who they believe murdered Shakilus.

July 5, 2008: Shakilus' parents thank 47-year-old mother-of-four Sharon Simpson for her desperate attempts to save the teenager's life after he collapsed outside her home.

July 6, 2008: Four male youths and a young girl are arrested in connection with the killing.

July 7, 2008: A massive anti-gang offensive is launched by Croydon police to stamp out possible revenge attacks following the teenager's murder.

July 10, 2008: Four of the five suspects are charged with the teenager's murder.

July 10, 2008: A sixth teenager is arrested in connection with the killing.

July 11, 2008: A fifth teenager is charged with murdering Shakilus.

July 13, 2008: A sixth teenager is charged with murder.

July 14, 2008: Shakilus' mother Nicola Dyer warns other teens to stay away from knives and gangs and to “not end up like our son”.

March 5, 2009: Police release a photo of another suspect in the murder case.

March 19, 2008: A seventh teenager is arrested in connection with the killing.

March 23, 2008: The teenager is charged with murder.

April 15, 2009: Seven teenagers go on trial accused of murdering Shakilus.

July 8: All seven accused are found guilty of murder. They will be sentenced in September.



Most popular






When news happens – email newsdesk, call 01689 885703 or text keyword NEWS SHOPPER along with your news, pictures and videos to 80360.

The latest news for Lewisham and Greenwich, including Blackheath, Catford, Charlton, Deptford, Eltham, Grove Park, Lee, New Cross, Plumstead and Woolwich.

Local Information

Enter your postcode, town or place name

House prices »   Schools »   Crime »   Hospitals »

Local Businesses