A man has been convicted of murdering a father after violently attacking him and leaving his body in an abandoned structure. The incident occurred on July 9 last year at the Brockley Social Club in Lewisham, where both individuals were residing. The victim, Junior Coleman, aged 43, succumbed to fatal head and facial injuries caused by repeated blunt force trauma.
Subsequent CCTV footage captured both the assailant, Daniel Watkis, and the victim entering the social club premises. Watkis was later seen returning to the location at approximately 11 pm, coinciding with the time of the fatal assault on Coleman. Suspicious behavior exhibited by Watkis, such as repeatedly looking back at the abandoned building, raised concerns among investigators. Additionally, Watkis ceased using his usual phone number, further arousing suspicion.
Following the incident, Watkis falsely reported his bank card as stolen, which was later discovered near Coleman’s body. He also discouraged others from reporting Coleman as missing. Upon a search of the premises, Coleman’s body was found concealed under a tarpaulin, alongside Watkis’s personal belongings, including his bank card and Freedom Pass. Evidence linking Watkis to the crime scene, such as his provisional driving license and a water bottle, further solidified the case against him.
Watkis was apprehended at his Hackney residence on September 24 on suspicion of murder. Despite denying any involvement in Coleman’s death during interrogation, evidence suggested otherwise, contradicting Watkis’s claims of not knowing the victim. Subsequently, on July 10, Watkis was convicted of murder and is awaiting sentencing on October 9.
Detective Chief Inspector Suzanne Soren, the lead investigator, emphasized the importance of the verdict in providing closure to Coleman’s family. She praised the diligent work of the investigative team in meticulously collecting and analyzing evidence, ultimately ensuring justice for the victim and his loved ones. Soren reaffirmed the commitment to pursuing justice in grave criminal cases, irrespective of complexities, sending a clear message to perpetrators that they will be held accountable for their actions.