By Charlotte Webster-
A jury at Wolverhampton Crown Court has delivered a guilty verdict in the shocking murder case of hotel worker Rhiannon Skye Whyte. The defendant, Deng Chol Majek, an asylum seeker from Sudan who claims to be 19 years old, was convicted after a two-week trial concluded on Friday.
Deng Chol Majek. Pic: PA
This Asylum Seeker Murder Conviction centers on the brutal attack which happened near Bescot Stadium station in the West Midlands. Majek murdered the 27-year-old victim, Rhiannon Skye Whyte, following her from the Park Inn hotel in Walsall, where she was employed and he resided. The court heard horrifying evidence about the fatal assault which occurred on October 20 last year.
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The trial revealed chilling details concerning the attack’s sheer ferocity. Ms. Whyte was stabbed 23 times in total, receiving 19 of those wounds to her head with a screwdriver. She tragically died three days later in the hospital due to her catastrophic injuries. The driver and guard of a train pulling into the station discovered Ms. Whyte injured in a platform shelter just five minutes after the assault. CCTV footage was a crucial component of the investigation, capturing Majek following the victim from the hotel toward the nearby railway station.
Rhiannon Skye Whyte. Pic: Family handout/PA
Importantly, the court heard that Majek, who is ten inches taller than Ms. Whyte, had previously been reported to hotel security. He repeatedly demonstrated disturbing behaviour by “spookily” staring at three female staff members, including Ms. Whyte, for prolonged periods before the murder. This key evidence established a worrying pattern of fixation preceding the horrific act, supporting the Asylum Seeker Murder Conviction.
The jury rejected Majek’s defense, which maintained that he had been inside the asylum seeker hotel at the time of the fatal assault. Majek had specifically denied being at the train station when Ms. Whyte was stabbed and denied responsibility for the fatal assault on the platform.
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CCTV from the reception area of the hotel alleged to show Deng Chol Majek staring at Rhiannon Whyte, left. Pic: PA
However, evidence of his movements and behaviour immediately after the crime painted a picture of calculated indifference. Following the attack, Majek walked to the Caldmore Green area of Walsall to purchase beer, clearly recorded on CCTV apparently wiping blood from his trousers. Later, he returned to the hotel at 12:13 am, substituting his bloodstained flip-flops for trainers.
Disturbingly, Majek was then seen dancing with other residents in the car park, clearly visible from the emergency vehicles attending the scene at the station. Prosecutor Michelle Heeley KC described this behaviour as “utterly callous.” She told the court his mood had shifted from the “prolonged scowl before the murder to dancing and joy after the murder,” indicating a shocking lack of remorse.
Mr. Justice Soole remanded Majek in custody awaiting sentencing on December 15. The judge also ordered a pre-sentence report and a necessary age assessment report to be prepared on the defendant, given his claim to be 19 years old. This overwhelming evidence of calculated, unremorseful actions secured the decisive Asylum Seeker Murder Conviction.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell of British Transport Police (BTP) gave a powerful statement outside court, condemning the killer’s complete lack of humanity. DCI Attwell called the murder a “brutal, cowardly and unprovoked attack on a vibrant, selfless young woman who had her whole life ahead of her.” He revealed that Majek had shown absolutely no remorse since the murder, appearing “completely unbothered – bored even – throughout this trial.”
The detective paid tribute to Rhiannon’s family for the unbelievable strength and dignity they demonstrated throughout the horrific investigation and court proceedings. He said Rhiannon’s family’s fortitude was a testament to her character, believing Rhiannon would be immensely proud of their unwavering support. People affected by crime can find support through the [Victim Support Charity Website] (Outbound Link).
Rhiannon’s sister, Alex Whyte, gave an emotional account of her sibling’s personality, describing her as someone who “always wanted to make everyone else around her happy.” Alex explained Rhiannon always prioritised her family, including her brother, three sisters, and her best friend, their mother.
Rhiannon Skye Whyte. Pic: Family handout/PA
Reflecting on her sister’s trusting nature, she said Rhiannon was “very soft” and never understood “how scary the world really could be.” Sadly, Majek’s violent act inflicted “unimaginable pain” upon the family, especially Rhiannon’s young son.
Alex explained she is now raising Rhiannon’s child and lamented the agony of having to explain to the five-year-old that the person who loved him most would never be returning home. She vowed that the screams of pain from the beautiful little boy would haunt her, promising, “we will never let Majek haunt him.” The family now awaits the sentencing date, when victim personal statements will be read to the court, bringing closure to the Asylum Seeker Murder Conviction.
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