The grieving mother of a young British woman who was randomly stabbed to death by an asylum seeker living at the hotel where she worked has confronted her daughter's killer in court, telling him directly: 'You will be forgotten as an evil nightmare.'
A Brutal and Random Attack
Deng Chol Majek, who is believed to have entered the UK illegally on a small boat just three months prior, carried out a vicious and unprovoked attack on 27-year-old Rhiannon Whyte. The mother-of-one was stabbed 23 times with a screwdriver as she spoke to her best friend on the phone. This horrific assault occurred on the platform of Bescot Stadium station in Walsall, moments after Ms Whyte had finished a night shift at the nearby Park Inn Hotel on October 20, 2023.
Callous Behaviour After the Killing
Following the brutal attack, which left Ms Whyte fighting for her life for three days before she succumbed to her injuries on October 23, Majek displayed shocking indifference. He was captured on CCTV purchasing three cans of super-strength OJ Beer from an off licence before returning to the hotel where he was seen laughing, dancing, and swigging alcohol. This callous display of merriment occurred while his victim lay gravely injured.
Powerful Victim Statements in Court
Ahead of Majek's sentencing for murder at Coventry Crown Court, Ms Whyte's mother, Donna, delivered an emotionally charged statement that laid bare the family's devastation. 'It's impossible for me to explain the pain I'm feeling,' she told the court. 'The impact of her death on my life is unmeasurable. She wasn't just my daughter, but my best friend. It's just not fair. I often feel that, to some extent, my life ended with her that day.'
Addressing Majek directly in the dock, she continued: 'My question to the person responsible is why? My head is telling me I should utterly hate you, but my heart tells me my love for Rhiannon overpowers this.' She concluded her statement with a pointed reference to his post-killing behaviour, stating: 'Just one more thing: let me see you dancing now.'
Sister's Anguish and Accusations
Ms Whyte's sister, Alex, who has now taken on responsibility for raising Rhiannon's young son, also addressed the court with a statement directed at the defendant. She accused Majek of showing no remorse and taking no responsibility for what she described as his 'cowardly actions.'
'We still don't know or understand why you stalked, hunted and preyed upon Rhiannon,' she said. 'Cornering her before unleashing your vicious and unprovoked attack. For what purpose? Throughout this agonising court process, you have given us nothing.'
She added powerfully: 'You brutalised Rhiannon and then partied as if nothing had happened. You celebrated. You might as well have danced on her grave.'
Legal Proceedings and Age Dispute
During the legal proceedings, it emerged that Majek had mounted what was described as a 'risible defence' to overwhelming evidence. This included bizarre accusations against forensic experts and denials of being the individual captured on CCTV stalking Ms Whyte, despite accepting he was wearing identical clothing.
A significant point of contention was Majek's age. While claiming to be 18 at the time of the attack, he presented no documentation. A subsequent age-assessment report concluded he was actually over 21. Prosecutors suggested this discrepancy was evidence of dishonesty about his age.
Immigration Background and Asylum Claims
Majek's journey to the UK was detailed in court. Having fled Sudan in April 2022, leaving behind a pregnant wife and family, he travelled through Libya before crossing the Mediterranean by small boat. After being rescued by Italian authorities, he spent approximately four months in Italy before moving to Germany, where he lived in Kaiserslautern for about a year.
After having his asylum claim rejected in Germany, Majek made his way to the UK. It is understood he crossed the English Channel from France on July 29, 2024, as one of 255 migrants who arrived on four boats that day according to Home Office data. Upon arrival, he claimed asylum on the basis of fleeing war in Sudan, despite having already lodged a claim in Germany.
Courtroom Atmosphere and Aftermath
The sentencing hearing attracted attention beyond the courtroom. Ahead of the proceedings, protesters including Tommy Robinson gathered outside Coventry Crown Court waving Union Jacks. Meanwhile, Ms Whyte's family members wore matching t-shirts bearing her photograph as they attended court to witness justice being served.
Representing Majek, Gurdeep Garcha KC offered no mitigation on his client's behalf, informing the court that the asylum seeker continued to protest his innocence. 'When he was interviewed by probation officers in late November, the defendant maintained he was innocent of the offences of which the jury had convicted him,' Garcha stated. 'The position today is the defendant maintains his denial and maintains his innocence.'
Police investigating the case have been unable to identify any motive for what they described as a 'vicious and frenzied attack.' The only potential clue lies in chilling security footage showing Majek staring at Ms Whyte in the hotel during her shift on the night of the murder.
