Two teenagers have been sentenced to a total of eight years in prison for the manslaughter of a 17-year-old boy in Southwark. Andres Tapia Londono, 18, of Willan Road, Haringey, and Christhofer Jesus Vasquez, 18, of Platts Road, Enfield, were each given four-year sentences after being convicted of manslaughter. Vasquez also pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article and received an additional one-year term for that offence.
Attack outside McDonald's on Old Kent Road
Yeray Sanchez Morales was sitting outside a McDonald's on Old Kent Road when he was approached by a group of boys and suffered nine wounds to his neck and chest in what police described as an unprovoked attack. The incident took place in February, and following Yeray's death, detectives immediately reached out to teenagers who had witnessed the attack.
Through targeted engagement and appeals, officers identified and obtained several pieces of mobile phone footage from the night. Police also used photos shared on the suspects' social media, including images of bloodied hands and knives, to prove their involvement. Voice notes were also found that linked them to the crime.
Other convictions in the case
Seven boys and a man, aged between 15 and 20 at the time, were located at addresses across London following a manhunt by specialist Met detectives. Isaac Ros Ramirez, 18, of Pamela Street, Hackney, was convicted of violent disorder and given a community order. Juan Betancourt Hoyos, 21, of Mount Pleasant Road, Haringey, was also convicted of violent disorder and given a community order.
A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was convicted of violent disorder and sentenced to 16 months. A second 16-year-old boy, also unnamed, was convicted of violent disorder and given a 12-month youth rehabilitation order. A third 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named, pleaded guilty to violent disorder, intent to do grievous bodily harm and possession of a bladed article in relation to a second victim on Friday, 20 February. He was given a community order.
Forensic evidence and investigation
A specialist forensic team was able to further link the group to the crime, with one suspect identified through DNA left on the rim of a bottle he had used to attack Yeray. Detective Sergeant Debbie Barge, who led the investigation, said: "Yeray was just a teenager with his whole life ahead of him. This was cruelly cut in an act of violence that deeply shocked the whole community.
"The majority of the teenagers present were horrified by what they witnessed - we would like to thank them for working closely with us to bring those responsible for justice. Detectives worked quickly to track down the suspects, proving their roles in and surrounding Yeray's death. Our thoughts remain with his family, and hope these convictions can bring them some degree of peace."
Family's tribute
Elena Morales, Yeray's mother, said: "Yeray was only 17 years old when his life was stolen. He was a sensitive, happy, polite and generous young man, always ready to help anyone who needed it. He had a special way of connecting with others, and a kindness that shone through everything he did.
"Yeray had his whole life ahead. He was in love and full of dreams and projects. His death has left a wound so deep that it can never heal. The sadness and pain have scarred our family and his friends forever. As a mother, I have no words to describe the pain that crushes my soul. Burying my own son, going to the courts, hearing about how he died, the whole process has been unbearably painful."
