Yiewsley murder: Teenager jailed for stabbing to death 16 year-old at park meeting

A teenager has been jailed for the murder of a 16-year-old he arranged to meet in west London before pulling out a knife and inflicting fatal wounds.

Elvis Tacu’s killer was tracked down by police who studied mobile phone records which showed the pair had been in touch shortly before the murder in Yiewsley.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Harrow Crown Court on Wednesday having pleaded guilty in June to murder following the incident at the Philpot’s Farm Open Space close to Heather Lane, on 30 December 2021.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 15 years, less 225 days spent on remand.

Elvis was found unresponsive at the scene by a member of the public who remained with him providing first aid until police and paramedics arrived on scene.

Despite the exhaustive efforts to save Elvis’ life, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem gave the cause of death as significant blood loss due to stab injuries.

Extensive CCTV and mobile phone enquiries placed the killer with Elvis immediately prior to the murder.

The court heard that Elvis and the suspect knew each other but no motive has been established in the case.

Detective Chief Inspector James Shirley said: “This is a harrowing case where we have yet again seen the devastation that carrying a knife can cause. A 16-year-old boy is dead and another teenager will spend the prime years of his life in prison.

“I urge anyone concerned in knife crime to look at what happens and put the knife down.

“The consequences are enormous and life-changing for everyone, at the heart of it is Elvis, who was just 16.

“He had his entire life before him and instead his family had to plan his funeral.

Their courage throughout this ordeal has been extraordinary, but though they have seen justice done, their grief will not end here.”

In a statement after the conviction the victim’s family said: “Time doesn’t heal wounds; it just teaches us how to live with pain. Grief is the price we pay for love. Elvis’ murderer will be out walking the streets living his whole life - he will always be a murderer and only God can forgive him.”

After Elvis’s death mother described him as “a lovely boy who wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

Mihaela, 38, who works as a hairdresser, told The Standard: “He was a wonderful boy, so gentle, kind and polite. He was lovely with people and would never hurt anyone.

“We are in total shock. I heard the police helicopter overhead and I had a feeling in my stomach something had happened to my son.

“Then the police knocked on our door. We are totally devastated. Elvis never carried a knife, we would never have imagined this could happen to our family.”