Life sentence for murdering dad in front of young son

News

A man who murdered a father in front of his young child in a barbershop in Leyton, has been sentenced to life in prison.

33-year-old Josh McKay was stabbed in the neck by Renai Belle in a targeted attack in July 2024. He died from his injuries at the scene.

During the Metropolitan Police investigation, officers discovered a rap video showing Belle threatening Josh before the attack.

30-year-old Belle of Edmonton stood trial at the Old Bailey and last month, was found guilty of murder and possession of a knife.

At the same court, on Wednesday, 30 July he was sentenced to life in prison. He must serve a minimum term of 28 years before he can be considered for release.

A man and woman were also convicted and sentenced for separate offences, the details of which are below.

Josh’s mother, Bash Kehinde, said: "Today’s sentencing changes nothing for me and my family. I will never see my beautiful son and his two children will now face life without their hero.

"To all of the mothers of murdered children, I understand your pain, the sadness and sense of loss that is unbearable. It is made worse because it was all so senseless.

"Josh was a beautiful happy kind man and an active and loving father. The world is less kind, less bright and less funny without him here."

Detective Inspector Chris Griffith, from Specialist Crime North, who led the investigation, said: “This was a savage and pre-planned attack, committed in broad daylight and with scant regard for passers-by. What took place left the local community reeling, and two young children without their father.

“My heart goes out to Josh’s family and friends. He was a loving parent, whose life was ended in the most horrendous way.

“I hope that today’s result provides Josh’s family with some closure, and allows the community to feel safer knowing that Belle is no longer free to commit such heinous crimes.”

The court heard that Josh was at a barbershop on Lea Bridge Road with his son on Saturday, 6 July 2024. Around 15:00hrs, as shown on CCTV seized by the investigation team, Belle entered the shop wearing a balaclava where he stabbed Josh in the neck in a pre-meditated attack following a long-standing dispute. Belle was then chased away by Josh.

Members of the public rushed to Josh’s aid and attempted to provide medical treatment until the arrival of officers and paramedics. Despite their best efforts, Josh died from his injuries.

A determined investigation began immediately in which officers painstakingly combed through more than 100 hours of CCTV footage to track Belle’s movements and understand what took place.

Officers discovered that Belle was the passenger in a car being driven by his partner, Tenika Parker. Having seen Josh enter the barbershop, the pair drove to the address of a man called Daniel Cooper. In doorbell footage later seized, Cooper was seen providing Belle with a balaclava and the knife that would be used minutes later to murder Josh. Belle was then driven back to the barbers nearby before stabbing Josh. He was helped to escape by Parker in the waiting car.

A manhunt led to the arrest of Belle at an address in Pincott Road, SW19 on Monday, 8 July.

As part of officers’ determination to further establish a watertight case against Belle, further enquiries led them to discover a rap video on YouTube showing Belle threaten Josh in advance of the attack, more proof that it was pre-planned.

Parker was initially arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender on Sunday, 7 July in India Dock Road, Poplar. She was stopped by police while driving the car that had been identified as being involved in the murder. During a search of Parker’s vehicle, officers found distinct black sliders Belle was seen wearing in CCTV footage, as well as traces of blood that officers sent for forensic testing. This provided a DNA match to Josh. Parker was rearrested on Wednesday, 2 October, and charged with perverting the course of justice after CCTV footage showed her attempting to clean her car after the attack to remove any evidence.

Cooper was arrested after handing himself in to police on Thursday, 11 July. During a search at Cooper’s property, officers discovered two knives matching the branding of the weapon that was left at the scene of Josh’s murder. Forensic testing on the balaclava and knife discarded by Belle at the scene of Josh’s murder found DNA that matched with Cooper.

On Wednesday, 4 June, 39-year-old Tenika Parker of Canterbury Road, Leytonstone and 22-year-old Daniel Cooper of Gosport Road, Leytonstone stood trial alongside Belle.

Parker was convicted of possession of a knife and perverting the course of justice. On Wednesday, 30 July, she was sentenced at the Old Bailey to two years and three months in prison.

Cooper had previously pleaded guilty to possession of a knife but was acquitted of other offences. He was sentenced on Friday, 6 June to seven and a half months in prison.