Asylum Seeker Found Guilty of Murdering Hotel Worker in Bescot

A court has found asylum seeker Deng Chol Majek guilty of murdering Rhiannon Whyte, a 27-year-old hotel worker, in a brutal attack at Bescot station last year. The incident occurred on October 20, 2024, as Whyte was walking home after finishing her shift at the Park Inn Radisson Hotel. Majek is scheduled to be sentenced on December 15, 2024.

During the trial, Majek displayed a disturbing lack of emotion, appearing “unbothered” and “bored.” This conduct drew criticism from senior police officials, highlighting the shocking nature of the crime. According to Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell of the British Transport Police, there remains no clear motive for Majek’s violent actions against Whyte, who was simply heading home after work.

Witnesses reported that Whyte was on a phone call with a friend when she was followed by Majek to the station. Once on the platform, he attacked her, delivering a total of 11 stab wounds to her head before fleeing the scene. Her friend, hearing the screams, contacted emergency services. Tragically, Whyte succumbed to a catastrophic brain injury three days later, surrounded by her family.

After the attack, CCTV footage captured Majek leaving the station, stopping to purchase an alcoholic drink before returning to the hotel. His behavior included singing and dancing, starkly contrasting with the gravity of his actions. Authorities later apprehended Majek in his hotel room, where they recovered several items, including the jacket he wore during the attack, which was stained with Whyte’s blood.

The investigation revealed additional evidence linking Majek to the crime, including DNA samples found under his fingernails. The trial has drawn significant attention, not only for the brutality of the murder but also for the emotional toll it has taken on Whyte’s family.

Detective Chief Inspector Attwell expressed deep condolences to Whyte’s family, commending their strength and dignity throughout the proceedings. He stated, “First and foremost, my thoughts are with Rhiannon’s family and friends who, despite today’s guilty verdict, have already been handed a lifetime sentence following her murder.”

Attwell further noted the senselessness of the attack, emphasizing that it was a “brutal, cowardly and unprovoked” act against a vibrant young woman. He remarked on Majek’s apparent lack of remorse, which added to the heartbreak experienced by Whyte’s family during the trial.

In closing, Attwell encouraged everyone to remember Rhiannon for the life she lived rather than the tragic circumstances of her death. The impact of this case resonates deeply with the local community, highlighting ongoing concerns surrounding violence and safety.