Walworth man jailed for life for murder of ‘loved’ and ‘precious’ 15-year-old

A 20-year-old man has been convicted of murder and jailed for life after fatally attacking a 15-year-old with a knife in Wandsworth last year.

Imran Boudjellel, 20, from Bronti Close, was one of five young men who confronted Joseph Marafini and two of his friends outside Sainsbury’s in Garratt Lane on October 29, 2020.

Boudjellel stabbed Joseph in the shoulder and in the neck and seriously injured another 15-year-old by stabbing him in the chest and arm.

Joseph was taken to hospital, but died a short time later.

His mother, Natalie Marafini, described him as a “well-liked and smart kid who would stick up for anyone”.

She told the court about the impact Joseph’s death had on her and her son Samuel, who has autism and complex special needs.

She said: “Samuel cannot understand why anyone would want to hurt Joseph. He cries uncontrollably and leaves the bedroom window open always, for Joseph to come home.

“I long for the sound of their laughter and I worry about who will care for Samuel when I am gone.

“I will never be the person I used to be. I have become a shadow person longing for the days to end but dreading sleep which brings only nightmares.”

Police chased Boudjellel to a nearby graveyard where he was arrested.

A large knife and sheath were found in a car park nearby with both Joseph and Boudjellel’s DNA on it.

Joseph’s aunt, Sara Marafini, said he was “loved” and “precious”.

In her victim impact statement, she said: “Times spent with my sister Natalie and Joseph used to be joyous and filled with love and laughter.

“Now I spend days holding her as she weeps and shakes and I am filled with an overwhelming sadness knowing that I can never take away her pain.

Addressing Boudjellel, she said: “You knew nothing about him but in a second you took everything. Joseph did not say anything or do anything to you.

“Everything in relation to Joseph’s murder has been unbearable, further compounded when sitting in this court listening to your pleas of self-defence, full of self-pity and lies.”

Detective Chief Inspector Vicky Tunstall, the lead investigator, said: “This was a completely unprovoked attack by a man who was a habitual knife carrier.

“It is sadly another example of the senseless violence that has resulted in the death of a 15-year-old boy, who was a beloved son and brother. 

“His family have been left devastated by their loss and we continue to support them through this ordeal.”

Following an eight-week trial at Kingston Crown Court, Boudjellel was convicted of murder and jailed for life with a minimum of 22 years.

He was also convicted of possession of a knife in a public place and causing grievous bodily harm with intent against the other 15-year-old. 

He received an extra six years’ imprisonment for these charges which will be served concurrently.

He was convicted on November 5 and sentenced on Thursday, November 18.