Jemel Boyce’s attacker pleads guilty to murder

A man whose victim died from his injuries more than five years after being stabbed has pleaded guilty to his murder at the Old Bailey.

Jamel Boyce was left blind, paralyzed and unable to speak after he was attacked by Tyrese Osei-Kofi in Clapham, south London, in October 2016.

Boyce, 17, suffered cardiac arrest after the attack and the lack of oxygen caused severe brain damage.

Osei-Kofi surrendered to police six days after the knife attack, after media reports his father recognized him, and was sentenced to 10 years in prison for wounding with intent.

The pair were friends when they argued at the fast food restaurant in Clapham High Street, the original trial heard.

Shoppers saw Mr Boyce pinned against the Osei-Kofi wall while others watched.”like a pack of animals surrounding a buffalo“.

Osei-Kofi pressed his right hand to the victim’s neck to trap him before stabbing him and walking away.

Paramedics managed to keep Boyce alive, but he was without oxygen for 14 minutes, causing severe brain damage. He was transferred to a long-term care facility.

After he died from his injuries in 2022, the case was reopened and Osei-Kofi was charged with murder.

Sentencing was delayed due to reports.