Dad brutally stabbed to death by man with hunting knife in row over cigarettes

A 24-year-old man stabbed a dad to death with a hunting knife after a row broke out between the two over cigarettes.

Jahmel Michael Riley was today found guilty of murdering Dennis Anderson outside an off licence in East Dulwich in February.

Riley, who will be sentenced next week, attacked 39-year-old Mr Anderson after a row broke out.

Mr Anderson was returning home from a party in the earlier hours of Sunday February 10 when he went into the shop with a group of friends.

Riley was already in the shop and had been asking customers aggressively for a cigarette.

He asked Dennis but an argument broke out.

Riley appeared to be about to leave but he then unsheathed a large hunting knife.

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.

Footage from outside the store showed Riley stabbing Dennis to death before fleeing the scene.

Met Police officers and paramedics were called to the scene at 2.40am but the dad could not be saved.

He was pronounced dead at 3.04am.

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.”

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