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Edgware Road murder: Three teens guilty of stabbing Yousef Beker, 17, outside KFC

Victim: Yousef Beker, 17, was stabbed to death after a 'minor argument' in September 2019: Met Police
Victim: Yousef Beker, 17, was stabbed to death after a 'minor argument' in September 2019: Met Police

Three teenage boys have been found guilty of fatally stabbing a 17-year-old student outside a KFC in central London.

Yousef Beker was knifed to death outside the fast food restaurant on Edgware Road in broad daylight on September 10 last year.

Yousef, who was studying business at nearby City of Westminster College, was taken to hospital but died of his injuries five hours later.

Following a three-month trial at the Old Bailey, three defendants – two of them youths – were convicted over his killing on Monday.

Forensic officers gather evidence outside the KFC following the stabbing (NIGEL HOWARD)
Forensic officers gather evidence outside the KFC following the stabbing (NIGEL HOWARD)

Two 17-year-old boys from Lambeth were convicted – one of manslaughter, and the other of murder and possession of an offensive weapon.

Zeshaun Daley, 19, of Holmewood Gardens, Brixton, was also convicted of murder and possession of an offensive weapon.

All are due to be sentenced at the same court, at a date to be announced.

The court heard how the defendants met in Edgware Road, after the two 17-year-olds travelled over from their south London homes.

Once together they confronted the victim, who was with friends outside the KFC in Paddington.

Police said the catalyst for the attack was a “minor disagreement”, involving one of the 17-year-olds and some of Yousef’s friends, which had taken place just hours before.

As the argument became heated, a fight broke out between the two groups, with punches thrown.

Daley and one of the other defendants then produced knives and Yousef was stabbed in his chest.

He and his group tried to flee to safety, but were pursued by the defendants.

Yousef was caught and fell to the ground after which he was subjected to a further frenzied attack, Scotland Yard said.

As he lay lifeless in the street, the three fled in various directions, discarding two knives in nearby gardens, before regrouping and travelling back south of the river.

At around 1.55pm emergency services were called to the scene by a number of passers-by who had attempted to assist Yousef as he lay injured.

He was taken to St Mary’s Hospital but was pronounced dead at 7.29pm the same day.

Flowers were left at the scene (NIGEL HOWARD ©)
Flowers were left at the scene (NIGEL HOWARD ©)

DCI Andy Partridge, who led the investigation, said: “Yousef was studying business and had his whole life ahead of him.

“His family have understandably been left completely devastated by his loss at the hands of the defendants, but I hope today’s result brings them some comfort.

“Fuelled by a minor row, Yousef’s killers went out that day armed with knives, intent on committing violence; two of them travelling a significant distance to confront Yousef.

“Not put off by undertaking such a violent attack in broad daylight in front of horrified members of the public, they subjected Yousef to a particularly brutal and sustained attack; he never stood a chance.

“It is my hope that these convictions and the sentences that will follow send out a clear message to those all too willing to engage in violence that it will simply not be tolerated. London is a safer place now these violent offenders have been brought to justice.”

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Moment 17-year-old knifed to death in front of horrified KFC diners