A man from Lewisham was convicted at the Old Bailey yesterday of manslaughter after his distant relative 66-year-old Leroy Junior Edwards was found stabbed to death in Catford.
Aaron Woolcock, aged 30, from Lewisham (b. 17.12.88) was found guilty of manslaughter but not guilty of murder at the trial held on Tuesday, March 19.
Another distant relative 29-year-old Kerry Donovan from Pantile Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, who was found guilty of murder.
Both will be sentenced on Thursday, April 18 for their part in the death of Mr Edwards.
The court heard an argument broke out at Mr Edward’s home on Ringstead Road after Woolcock and Donovan visited.
Mr Edwards was stabbed several times and the court heard that both Donovon and Woolcock fled the scene.
A neighbour called emergency services after hearing banging from upstairs. After investigating, he found a trail of blood leading to Mr Edward’s door.
Officers forced their way into the home and found the victim lying next to a large knife. He died soon after being taken to hospital.
A post-mortem held on August 19 recorded his death as stab wounds to the neck and chest.
While searching the scene, officers found a purse with Donovan’s bank cards and driving licence.
Police said enquiries established that Donovan was a distant relative, a regular drug user and known to be in financial difficulties.
Donovan was arrested in Basildon on August 19, 2018 and Woolcock was arrested a month later, on September 20, after being identified on CCTV.
Detective Sergeant Brian Jones said: “We may never know exactly why Mr Edwards was killed.
“Whatever the motive, this led to the senseless death of a family man of good character in the home where he had lived for over 25 years.
“His family described him as as a ‘quiet, non-confrontation man who liked to be at home’.
“Woolcock and Donovan now face the consequences of their actions and I hope their conviction will give some solace to Mr Edward’s family and friends.”