Man who murdered victim, 22, in Brixton caught after leaving trail of blood

A man has been jailed for the murder of a 22-year-old in Brixton last October after detectives managed to track the him down using a blood trail he left at the scene. Kyiza Sandiford, 24, has been sentenced to life in prison, to serve a minimum of 23 years, for the murder of Keelen Wong in Coldharbour Lane on Tuesday, October 3, 2023.

Police rushed to the scene alongside paramedics after receiving reports of a stabbing at 4.44pm. They found Keelen with stab wounds. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, he died at the scene.

Sandiford was arrested the day after the murder on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, and subsequently charged. Detectives were able to link a blood trail left at the scene of the murder to Sandiford's self-admission to hospital as a crucial piece of evidence in the case against him.

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Sandiford was found guilty at the Old Bailey on Thursday, October 17, 2024, and sentenced last week on Friday, November 22.

'There are no joy or winners in this scenario'

Keelen’s father Jemaine Wong said: “I’m grateful for the sentence that has been served. All who knew and loved Keelen are planning to have his memory last long beyond Sandiford’s time.

“However, there are no joy or winners in this scenario, only levels of loss. Community violence is a sad reality that I will have to navigate with the grace of God moving forward. No amount of time will account for the life of my son Keelen Wong, but my hope is that the sentence will allow the defendant time to appreciate the value of life.”

'My one son, I love you'

Keelen’s mother Nadine Searchwell said: “To the killer and the two individuals who stood with him they only took his flesh, his spirit is still here. He’s God’s child and God doesn’t sleep.

“I’m just blessed and grateful to be his Mum and so thankful I got 22 years with my baby. My one son, I love you, know I got you. Keelen Wong’s legacy lives.”

Two other teenage defendants were also charged but found not guilty of murder. One, age 16, was found guilty of possession of an offensive weapon and was given a nine month Youth Supervision Order at court.

Detective Inspector Kevin Martin, from the Met's Specialist Crime Command, said: "Our thoughts remain with Keelen’s family and friends.

“Our investigation gathered compelling evidence to put the defendant before the court. My team pieced together the various movements of Sandiford on the day of the murder, including linking a blood trail at the scene to Sandiford’s self-admission to hospital.

“I have spoken with Keelen’s family and, although the trial has not provided them with the full result that they had wished for, I have expressed my sincere hope that they can obtain some degree of comfort from the sentence handed down.

“This result shows that the Met remains deeply committed to pursuing and prosecuting those who are willing to commit acts of violence on the streets of London.”

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