An individual seeking asylum who fatally stabbed a mother has been handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 29 years. Deng Chol Majek was observed dancing and laughing at Walsall’s Park Inn Hotel following the brutal attack on Rhiannon Whyte, where she was stabbed 23 times at Bescot Stadium railway station. The police described the incident as one of the most severe murders they had encountered, with Rhiannon sustaining fatal injuries, including a brain stem injury, from a vicious assault with a crosshead screwdriver, resulting in 19 head wounds.

Mr. Justice Soole highlighted Majek’s extreme brutality, stating there were no mitigating factors. The minimum term of 29 years, adjusted for time spent in custody, allows for Majek to be considered for release after 27 years and 254 days.

The assault occurred after Majek unnervingly stared at three female staff members at the hotel, where Rhiannon worked, on October 20, 2024. His unsettling behavior, captured on CCTV, led to security being alerted at the Park Inn.

British Transport Police’s Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell remarked that Rhiannon had no chance against Majek, who towered over her at 6ft 3in. Majek had followed Rhiannon on foot to the station, where he launched the attack on the deserted platform before disappearing from view for about 90 seconds.

Subsequently, a train crew discovered Rhiannon injured on the platform, and she passed away in the hospital three days later. Meanwhile, Majek was seen on CCTV buying beer in Walsall after the attack, seemingly wiping blood off his trousers. He then returned to the hotel, changed his footwear, and was witnessed dancing in the car park.

During the trial, doubts arose regarding Majek’s claimed age of 19, as investigations suggested he was over 21. Majek, who had arrived in the UK a few months before the incident, previously provided authorities in Germany with a birthdate indicating he was 28.

Although no motive was disclosed during the trial, it was noted that Majek had brushed past Rhiannon earlier in the evening. Rhiannon’s sister, Alex Whyte, expressed her family’s devastation, describing Rhiannon as a bright and compassionate individual with a promising future. She criticized Majek for his lack of remorse and the unprovoked nature of the attack.

Alex recalled the heartbreaking moment when she had to inform her child about the tragic event and emphasized the family’s enduring love for Rhiannon. She highlighted the pain inflicted by Majek’s actions and the loss of a remarkable individual.

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