An asylum seeker from Sudan, Deng Majek, stands trial for the murder of Rhiannon Whyte, a hotel worker in Walsall. This violent incident occurred on the night of October 20, 2024, at the Bescot Stadium railway station, where Ms. Whyte, 27, was attacked. Prosecutors describe the assault as a “vicious and frenzied attack,” with the defendant allegedly stabbing her 23 times with a screwdriver.
Incident Details
According to the prosecution, CCTV footage captured Majek’s behavior before and after the crime. He reportedly exhibited unsettling excitement about the murder. Michelle Heeley KC, representing the prosecution at Wolverhampton Crown Court, stated that Ms. Whyte’s blood was found on Majek’s clothing, and her DNA was detected under his fingernails.
Timeline of Events
- 23:00 BST: Rhiannon Whyte finishes her shift at the Park Inn Hotel, where she worked for approximately three months.
- 23:04 BST: Ms. Whyte makes a call to a friend, as Majek follows her to the railway station.
- 23:19 BST: The friend’s call goes silent after hearing screams.
- 23:24 BST: A train driver discovers Ms. Whyte slumped on the platform.
The Attack and Aftermath
The court heard that Ms. Whyte suffered grave injuries, with 11 of the stab wounds penetrating her skull, resulting in damage to her brain stem. Additionally, defensive wounds on her chest and arm indicate she tried to fend off the attack. Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries on October 23, 2024, after never regaining consciousness.
Defendant’s Actions Post-Attack
After the assault, Majek was seen behaving erratically, dancing and laughing at the hotel where he resided. He was also observed buying a drink at a local shop before returning to the hotel. During this time, he discarded Ms. Whyte’s mobile phone in a river.
Community Response
Following her death, Rhiannon Whyte’s family released a heartfelt statement describing her as “selfless, brave, quirky, and funny.” They expressed their grief over the loss of someone who was always present for others.
Current Status
Deng Majek, who claims to be 19 years old, has pleaded not guilty to murder. The trial is expected to last about three weeks, with the prosecution emphasizing the evidence against him, which includes his suspicious behavior and forensic findings.
The case draws attention to the broader issues surrounding asylum seekers and public safety. El-Balad will continue to cover developments in this impactful trial.
