First Photographs Released of Trio Convicted for Teenager's Murder in West London Park
The first photographs of three men who murdered a teenager in a West London park have been released by police following their conviction. Tyler Donnelly, aged 19, was stabbed to death by the trio in Hanworth Park, Feltham, on January 24, 2024.
Details of the Conviction and Trial
Keith Preddie, 34, of Feltham, Daniel Matos, 23, of Hounslow, and Joshua Cowley, 29, also of Hounslow, were all found guilty at the Old Bailey on Friday, February 27, after a five-week trial. The court heard that Tyler had cycled to the park as a runner for a local drug gang, known as the "John line," when he was ambushed and fatally stabbed in the neck.
His body was discovered the next day in thick grass near his discarded bicycle. He was still carrying nearly 30 packages of heroin and crack cocaine, along with £300 in cash.
Police Investigation and Evidence
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, from the Metropolitan Police Service, stated: "My thoughts and those of my team remain with the family of Tyler, who have all been deeply affected by the senseless violence that night. Tyler’s family have had to sit in court and listen to every harrowing detail of how he was stabbed and left to die alone."
He added: "Each of the defendants had their role to play and committed acts of horrific violence. My team worked tirelessly over many months, painstakingly gathering evidence to ensure that the three men were brought to justice."
Key evidence included data from Matos' electronic tag, which linked him to the location where Tyler's body was found. CCTV footage captured the trio cycling into the park and exiting shortly afterward. A hoodie stained with Tyler's blood was found in Matos' room during a police search.
Trial Proceedings and Sentencing
All three men were arrested on Sunday, January 28, and denied ever meeting Tyler during interviews. The initial trial began at the Old Bailey on Monday, January 6, but resulted in a hung jury after 22 hours of deliberation. A retrial commenced on Monday, January 19, and concluded on Friday, February 27, with all defendants found guilty of murder.
DCI Howie emphasized the broader impact: "This case also shows the devastating impact that drugs have on our communities and the link with serious violence. It’s why we’re so committed to tackling drugs supply, which we know rips families like Tyler’s apart."
The three convicted men are scheduled to be sentenced at the same court on Tuesday, March 17.
