Face of ‘brutal’ killer published for first time as judge allows him to be named over park killing

The face of a 17-year-old killer who stabbed a man in the heart for his mobile phone can be seen for the first time. Nyran Thomas and his brother Nah’shun, 20, both of Bournemouth Road, Peckham, were sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on Wednesday (May 15). Nyran received a minimum term of 19 years, while Nah’shun will serve at least 25 years and three months.

The pair were convicted after a trial in January under Judge Peter Gower, who allowed Nyran to be reported despite child defendants normally enjoying automatic anonymity before they turn 18. Judge Gower also praised the police for their “thorough investigation”, the victim’s family for their “quiet dignity” throughout the ordeal and the two victims of the robbery who gave evidence

Kalabe Legesse, from Southwark, was tragically stabbed to death as he sat on a bench in Peckham Rye Park on 30 December 2022. The defendants approached on bicycles and threatened him for his mobile phone, stabbing him in the chest during the robbery and leaving it. for the dead An autopsy found Kalabe died of a single stab wound to the heart.

READ MORE: Racist accused by defense judge ‘load of rubbish’ over violent P-word tweet at Suella Braverman

During the attack, Kalabe had been on the phone with a friend, who later told police he heard the suspects say “Where are you from?” and “What are you wearing?”. When police arrived at the scene, the phone was gone, but officers were able to pull CCTV to trace the suspects back to their shared home. Both were arrested on suspicion of murder on 19 January 2023.

Police discovered the knifemen had committed two other phone robberies shortly before Kalabe’s murder. Both victims independently reported that the defendants implied they had a knife and asked “Where are you from?” and “What are you wearing?”. The defendants pleaded guilty to both robberies during the murder trial.

During a search of Nyran Thomas’ home and his grandmother’s bedroom, they found a black-handled hunting knife wrapped in a black puffer jacket. Forensics later confirmed traces of Kalabe’s blood inside the holster of the murder weapon. Both attackers were charged on 21 January 2023 and remanded in custody.

In addition to the life sentences, Na’shun Thomas also received two concurrent 30-month sentences for robbery, while Nyran Thomas received two concurrent 20-month sentences for robbery.

“They have years in prison ahead of them to reflect on the lives they have destroyed”

Detective Inspector Adam Guttridge, investigating officer, said: “The defendants were driving around the area armed with a knife which they were prepared to use to commit violent offences. With crime comes responsibility and consequences. For cruelly and needlessly ending the life of Kalabe Legesse, they will have years ahead in prison to reflect on their actions and the lives they destroyed.

“My thoughts today are with the family of Kalabe Legesse as they continue to come to terms with their loss. It is my sincere wish that they find some comfort in knowing that justice has been served.”

Kalabe’s family said they will “never understand” why he was killed for his phone, while thanking police for their investigation. “Nothing can bring our son Kalabe back,” said a spokesman for his family.

“He did nothing wrong the night he was killed and we will never understand why he was killed with a mobile phone. The defendants showed no remorse for what they did to him. I recently passed the anniversary of his death; Christmas and New Year for us will never be the same.

“Kalabe was loved by everyone he met and had an exciting future ahead of him. He will never be able to have a family of his own and our family will never have him back. We are grateful to the investigative team for over a year of hard work to bring these men to justice.”

Have a story or case we should cover? Please email [email protected] or WhatsApp 07580255582

Don’t miss the latest crime stories from across London. Sign up to MyLondon’s Court & Crime newsletter HERE