Shock as Migrant Who Stabbed UK Mother 23 Times Can’t Be Sentenced Yet — The Reason Will Leave You Furious

A man named Deng Chol Majek, believed to have crossed into the UK illegally on a small boat from France, has been found guilty of the horrific and completely unprovoked murder of 27-year-old British mother, Rhiannon Whyte. The attack shocked the community in Walsall, where she lived and worked, leaving her family and friends heartbroken.

Rhiannon had just finished a late-night shift at the Park Inn Hotel, where she worked as a receptionist. The same hotel also happened to house asylum seekers, including Majek, who was living there at the time. It was a quiet Friday night on October 20 last year when she left work, chatting to her best friend on the phone while walking the short distance to Bescot Stadium train station. But within minutes, her life was violently taken. Majek followed her and launched a frenzied attack, stabbing her 23 times with a screwdriver, leaving her fatally wounded on the street.

The call with her friend suddenly went silent, and within moments, police and paramedics were called to the scene. Despite efforts to save her, Rhiannon died from her injuries before reaching the hospital. Investigators described the scene as one of the most shocking and senseless acts of violence they had ever encountered.

Majek, originally from Sudan, arrived in Britain just a few months before the attack, in July 2023, claiming asylum. When he was processed by immigration officers, he told them he was born on January 1, 2006, which would make him 19 years old.

However, authorities soon discovered that in both Germany and Italy, where he had previously sought asylum, he had given a completely different date of birth  January 1, 1998  making him 27. Prosecutors argued that this inconsistency clearly showed that Majek had lied about his age, likely to gain the legal protections that come with being treated as a minor asylum seeker.

Because of this uncertainty, the judge, Mr Justice Soole, has delayed sentencing until his real age can be confirmed. He said it was vital to know whether Majek should be treated as a young offender or a full adult under UK law.

Prosecutor Michelle Heeley KC explained that determining his age required a series of tests, including bone density scans, but that Majek had refused to cooperate. His uncooperative attitude has only added to the frustration and pain felt by Rhiannon’s family, who have already been forced to endure a lengthy trial.

Even without his cooperation, the court has ruled that Majek will serve a mandatory life sentence for murder. However, the minimum term  the number of years he must spend in prison before being eligible for parole  will depend on the findings about his true age. The sentencing has been scheduled for December 15.

Throughout his trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court, Majek showed no emotion and gave what the prosecution described as a “laughable” defence. He tried to claim that forensic experts lied when they said Rhiannon’s blood was found all over his clothing. He also denied being the man seen in CCTV footage following Rhiannon to the train station, despite admitting that he was the same man wearing identical clothes earlier that evening.

Detectives and prosecutors have been unable to find any motive for the killing. The two had no known conflict, and Rhiannon was described as a kind, hardworking woman who treated everyone with respect. CCTV footage from inside the hotel, however, shows Majek staring at Rhiannon repeatedly during her shift, suggesting he had been watching her for some time before the attack.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell from the British Transport Police, who led the investigation, described the crime as “one of the most brutal, cowardly, and unprovoked attacks we have ever seen.” He said:
“Rhiannon was a vibrant, selfless young woman who had her whole life ahead of her. She was doing nothing more than walking home after work, yet Majek chose to attack her in cold blood. He has never once expressed any remorse or given any explanation for his actions. Instead, he forced Rhiannon’s loved ones to sit through a trial filled with lies, despite the overwhelming evidence against him.”

Outside the court, Rhiannon’s devastated sister, Alex, spoke on behalf of the family. Her voice shook as she described the pain they now live with every day. “Majek has given us a life sentence,” she said. “He stalked, hunted, and preyed on our defenceless Rhiannon before cornering her and unleashing a vicious attack. On that horrific day, our precious sister was shown no mercy.”

Alex went on to say that the family still cannot understand why Rhiannon was targeted. “Throughout this trial, we’ve been given no reason for why he chose her. There has been no accountability, no remorse, nothing. Rhiannon fought desperately for her life, trying to save herself from a sick, twisted man who showed no care for her or for human life.”

The family described Rhiannon as a joyful, loving young woman who adored her child and had big dreams for the future. She was known for her kindness and warmth, and her loss has left a hole that will never be filled. Her sister added, “We prayed and begged for her to live, but now we can only hope that Deng Chol Majek spends the rest of his life alone and unloved, knowing what he has done. We have to grieve her for longer than we ever got to love her — and that will never make sense to us.”

The community of Walsall has been left shaken by the tragedy. Flowers, candles, and messages of support continue to be laid near the spot where Rhiannon was attacked. Neighbours, friends, and even strangers have described the incident as a “senseless act of pure evil.” Many have also expressed frustration over how someone who entered the country illegally and had already lied to multiple European authorities was able to live freely in a UK hotel.

As the sentencing date approaches, Rhiannon’s family says their only hope now is that justice will be fully served, and that her killer will never have the chance to hurt anyone else again.