Knifeman Caged For Deadly Cigarette Row

Shop Horror: Riley Ace Of Knives

A killer who plunged a fearsome hunting knife into an off-licence customer during a late-night cigarette row is starting a life sentence for murder.

Jahmel Michael Riley, 25, was aggressively asking other customers for a cigarette when Dennis Anderson, 39, walked into the Lordship Lane, East Dulwich shop with a group of friends.

When he asked the victim, who was returning home from a 60^thbirthday party, the same question a violent argument broke out and local man Riley pulled out the huge knife.

He was convicted at the Old Bailey of murdering Lewisham man Dennis in the early hours of February 10 and was ordered to serve a minimum of 23-and-a-half years before he can be freed.

Witnesses saw Riley raise the knife before Dennis stepped towards him and attempted to wrestle the weapon out of his hands. 

CCTV footage showed the struggle between the two men inside before they spilled out into the street through the door.

Tragic: Dennis Anderson

It was here that external footage from the store showed Riley on top of the victim, before making a stabbing motion towards the left side of his body, causing a deep cut to his neck.

Riley was dragged off by Dennis’s friends and hit, before fleeing the scene towards Crawthew Grove.

Officers then arrived at the scene at around 2.40am and immediately attempted first-aid. 

Despite significant efforts by officers and paramedics, Dennis was pronounced dead at 3.04ham.

Dennis was found to have several lacerations, as well as a fatal cut to his neck, including one on his face and back and multiple on his left hand where he tried to disarm his attacker.

Detectives sought to track down Riley after the incident. 

He eventually attended Lewisham Police station with family on Wednesday, February 13 after both his father and brother had been spoken to by police.

Life For Knife: Riley

Detective Inspector Domenica Catino, from the Met's Homicide and Major Crime Command, who has led the investigation, said: “This is a very tragic incident that has left me filled with anguish as Dennis Anderson’s death was totally unavoidable.

“Witnesses of the attack, including close friends of the victim, and CCTV footage showed that Riley had chances to avoid the confrontation and the leave the off-license. 

“The two men did not know each other and Dennis was killed solely because he refused Riley’s request for a cigarette. That is the value that Riley places on life.

“My deepest sympathies extend to Dennis’ family and friends, particularly those that witnessed a shocking event unfold in such a needless manner.”

“I want to thank them for their support throughout this investigation and thank the hard work and commitment of the murder investigation team. 

“I can only also praise the public, officers and paramedics who tried valiantly to keep Dennis alive.”