Two people have been found guilty of murdering a man in Kingston after detectives found CCTV that linked them to the attack.
Sean Deery, 28 (31.08.94), of no fixed address, and a 17-year-old boy were found guilty of murdering 32-year-old Farhad Khalili following the conclusion of a trial at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 21 December.
Both will be sentenced at the same court on 19 February 2023.
The jury heard how Farhad was attacked at around 19:00hrs on 15 December 2021 as he walked along Surbiton Crescent, Kingston. As he approached the junction of Anglesea Road, he was approached and attacked by Deery and the then 15-year-old boy.
Farhad was stabbed several times and managed to stagger to Surbiton Road where he collapsed. Police, London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance attended but despite their best efforts, Farhad died at the scene.
A quick-time review of CCTV identified both Deery and the teenager attacking Farhad. Deery had subsequently been detained after being wrongly identified as a suspect in a separate robbery that took place in nearby Portsmouth Road, Kingston that had taken place shortly before the attack on Farhad.
The teenager had fled on foot but was subsequently arrested at his home address the following day. Blood-stained clothing was found linking him to the attack on Farhad.
While in custody, both Deery and the teenager refused to answer any questions put to them in police interview but the evidence against them was such that both were charged with murder.
Detective Inspector Jim Barry, from the Specialist Crime Command, said: “While Farhad and his assailants were known to each other it has never been established why they attacked him in such a violent manner.
“What is clear is that when Deery and his associate launched their attack, they did so with a ferocity and intent to cause Farhad significant harm.
“The actions of those on scene, including the officers who initially responded to the call, were commendable and helped us quickly identify and detain both suspects. The support and assistance from the local community was vital.
“This has enabled us to put those responsible for Farhad’s murder before the courts to face the consequences of their actions. I hope this brings some small degree of comfort to Farhad’s family and friends who have been left to deal with the tragic outcome.”
