By Samantha Jones-
A murderer who escaped to St Lucia after killing his victim has been found guilty of his crimes.
Chase Griffith, 22, (pictured)was convicted of the murder of 28-year-old Sam Brown after his best efforts to evade justice failed.
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The conviction, announced at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, November 29, marked the culmination of a relentless pursuit by tenacious detectives who successfully extradited Griffith from St Lucia to face justice.
Griffith, from Ashfield Parade, North London, was found guilty of gunning down Sam Brown in an act of perceived revenge following a stabbing that occurred during a party at Cheney Row Park, Walthamstow, on the night of July 23, 2022.
Approximately 150 people were present at the gathering.
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The court heard that in the aftermath of the stabbing, Griffith produced a firearm, believing Sam to be somehow responsible, and shot him in the street. Despite Sam’s attempt to seek refuge in his car, he succumbed to his injuries after driving a short distance.
Murdered: Sam Brown Image: MET Police
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen, who led the investigation, expressed gratitude for the collaboration with the National Crime Agency, emphasizing the diligence and effort that went into Griffith’s extradition from St Lucia.
She described the case as “long and painstaking,” involving meticulous detective work, including the use of CCTV and other forensic evidence.
Griffith had fled the country following the murder, managing to alter his appearance, including changing his distinctive hairstyle, before boarding a flight to St Lucia from Gatwick Airport on July 27. Upon his return on December 8, following extradition, Griffith faced justice at the Old Bailey.
DCI Allen, reflecting on the challenging investigation, highlighted the reluctance of witnesses to come forward despite numerous individuals being present at the party. However, through forensic CCTV analysis and meticulous investigative work, the team conclusively proved Griffith’s responsibility for the murder.
Sam’s family, in a poignant statement, expressed that they would never achieve closure regarding the events of that night. They conveyed their determination to move forward, emphasizing that Sam would want them to do so.
Despite the pain, they said Sam would always be remembered as their angel.
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