By James Simons-
A father and son have been jailed for a combined 48 years for murdering and robbing a man in broad daylight.
The father and son were involved in the fatal stabbing of 35-year-old Nathaniel Eyewu-Ago, after their victim chased them to Barge Walk in Greenwich after they robbed him of drugs and cash, on June 2 last year.
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Unashamed of their theft, the father and son violently defended their criminal conduct against a fellow criminal, eventually leading to the murder of the drug dealer, whose drugs and cash had been robbed by his eventual killers.
Ernesto Elliott, 45, and Nico Elliott, 23, both from Walthamstow, were engaged in an ugly knife battle in front of onlookers in a North Greenwhich estate. Nico stabbed Nathaniel in the heart in the middle of the day, who in hospital a few days later on June 8. The Elliotts were arrested later the same day on suspicion of murder.
The pair were found guilty by a jury after a trial at The Old Bailey last Friday (January 27) for the murder. the dad was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 26 years and a concurrent sentence of 12 years’ imprisonment for robbery, minus time spent on remand.
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The son was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 22 years and a concurrent sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment for robbery, minus time spent on remand.
The pair were arrested on the scene as the incident took place in the middle of the day and there were a number of witnesses, including an off-duty police officer, PC Luke Dowling, who called 999. PC Dowling was commended by the judge for his work in maintaining the forensic exhibits safe at the scene and his efforts in giving first aid to Nathaniel.
CCTV analysis, mobile phones and witness statements placed them at the scene Nico made no comment in interview but Ernesto claimed he had attacked Nathaniel in self-defence.
Detective Chief Inspector Kate Kieran, the lead investigator, said: “After robbing Nathaniel Eyewu-Ago of drugs and cash, Ernesto and Nico were prepared to use any form of violence necessary to protect their stolen property.
“This case is another example of how the illegal drug trade fuels violent crime. Not only has this incident resulted in the death of one man and life imprisonment sentences for two others, it has also caused significant trauma to innocent members of the public who witnessed it.”
Horrifying footage taken by a spectating neighbour, revealed the men lunging at each other with knives, machetes and a hammer during the brawl.
Knife battle in broad daylight was witnessed by several onlookers in North Greewich Image:supplied
Mr Ago was rushed to hospital in a critical condition, but was sadly pronounced dead in hospital.
Police launched a murder investigation and arrested four men, aged between 17 and 43-years-old, on suspicion of murder.
Footage of the incident was at the time shot by an observing neighbour as the men went for each other. Copies were given to The Eye Of Media.Com at the time, and some were also posted on social media to feature the real life movie style warfare that took place in broad daylight.
A resident can be heard audibly urging a woman to call police.
The shocking battle broke out in a residential area of North Greenwich while neighbours watched from their flats
Battle for survival became intense at one point Image: supplied
The murder shows just cruel and selfish the drug trade can be.
Drug dealing has a culture that promotes the idea of drug dealers robbing their rivals, but not wanting to be robbed themselves.
This disgraceful incident led to the death of a dealer, leaving both parties losers, as the killers have now lost their freedom for life, and with that, their insatiable quest for illegal money making through drugs.
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