A Sudanese asylum seeker has been handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 29 years for the murder of a hotel worker in a vicious attack described as "demonic and inhuman" by the victim's family. Deng Chol Majek stabbed Rhiannon Whyte 23 times at Bescot Stadium railway station in Walsall on 20 October 2024, leading to her death in hospital three days later.
Details of the Attack and Trial
Majek is believed to have entered the UK by small boat less than three months before the assault. He tracked Whyte, 27, to the station after she finished a shift at the Park Inn hotel, where he was living. CCTV footage played at Wolverhampton Crown Court showed him disappearing onto a deserted platform for 90 seconds around 11.18pm to carry out the attack, inflicting 19 wounds to her head, including a fatal brain stem injury.
Family Statements and Court Proceedings
In emotional statements at Coventry Crown Court, Whyte's family condemned Majek's actions. Her sister Alex, speaking on behalf of the family, said, "I honestly feel that calling you demonic and inhuman is justifiable in the circumstances." Whyte's mother, Donna, added, "Her name will not be forgotten, she will not be a distant memory. You, however, are an evil nightmare."
Jurors deliberated for just over two hours before unanimously convicting Majek of murder and possessing a screwdriver as an offensive weapon. The trial revealed that Majek had been reported to hotel security for staring at female staff members, though no motive for the killing was established.
Aftermath and Sentencing
After the attack, Majek walked to Caldmore Green in Walsall to buy beer, with CCTV capturing him wiping blood from his trousers. He returned to the hotel, changed his bloodstained flip-flops, and was seen dancing in the car park as emergency vehicles arrived at the station.
Mr Justice Soole, presiding, noted that Majek lied about his age, claiming to be 19 despite assessments placing him between 25 and 28; he was sentenced on the basis of being 26. The judge stated, "The evidence against you, in particular CCTV and DNA, was overwhelming," and imposed a life sentence for the devastation caused to the Whyte family.
Defence KC Gurdeep Garcha indicated that Majek continues to deny guilt, offering no mitigation in terms of remorse. The case has drawn public attention, with groups waving England flags outside the court and Tommy Robinson among the crowds.
