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Killer who stabbed father to death for protecting teenage son jailed for life

|News, Violent crime

A murderer who stabbed a father to death for confronting him after he attacked his 15-year-old son, has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 32 years. 

Marcus Griffiths, 43, was sentenced at Harrow Crown Court today (Thursday, 28 April 2022). He had previously been found guilty of murdering 40-year-old Michael Fadayomi as well as the attempted murder of his son and having an offensive weapon following a trial at the same court. 

On April 29 last year Griffiths had told a fellow bus passenger: “I’m going to f*****g kill someone today. If you’re not careful I’m going to kill you.”

Shortly after this, two 15-year-old boys boarded the 260 bus heading to Willesden High Road and sat close to Griffiths on the top deck. For no reason he became aggressive towards them. The pair got off the bus shortly after 5pm at Willesden Bus Garage which was the next stop. 

Griffiths followed the teenage boys off the bus and without warning began to attack Mr Fadayomi’s son with a lock knife. The teenager managed to swerve the knife directed at his head twice and he and his friend ran off and called Mr Fadayomi who made his way to them. 

After hearing about the attack Mr Fadayomi verbally confronted Griffiths who had boarded the stationary bus again. He then exited and Griffiths followed him.  

Without warning, Griffiths attacked Mr Fadayomi from behind with a knife as he walked away. The fight spilled into the nearby Grill King Shop and Mr Fadayomi was stabbed a number of times including a fatal stab wound to his neck.

Griffiths calmly made off from the murder scene. 

Paramedics were called but Mr Fadayomi died in front of his son shortly after.  

Griffiths was arrested at his home in Cricklewood later that evening. 

Kristen Katsouris, from the CPS, said: “This was an attack on a father who was looking out for his teenage son. Michael Fadayomi had simply wanted to protect his child and in doing so he lost his life. No child should have to witness the death of their parent in such cruel circumstances. 

“Marcus Griffiths got off the bus and attacked Mr Fadayomi with a knife. And yet, during the trial Griffiths claimed that he had been acting in self-defence. When faced with the evidence, the jury were able to see through this story.

“The prosecution case included DNA evidence, video footage of the fatal incident and testimony from passengers on the bus who had witnessed Griffiths’ aggressive demeanour beforehand. 

“A family has lost a father, son and brother and although nothing can bring their loved one back, I hope these convictions and the sentence handed out today provides some sense of justice to the family of Mr Fadayomi. Our thoughts remain with them at this time.”

Notes to editors

  • Marcus Griffiths (DOB: 2/4/1979) is from Cricklewood in the London borough of Brent. 
  • Kristen Katsouris is a Senior Crown Prosecutor in the Homicide unit in London.

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