Agonised family speak of ‘void that can never be filled’ after car-park killing of Tyreece Daley

The family of an ‘adored’ father who was senselessly killed by a man he mistook for an Uber driver, have spoken of their ‘unbearable pain.’ 

Tyreece Daley, 22, from Tulse Hill, was stabbed multiple times by Dejon Anaughe, 28, in the car park of Beckenham Junction railway station on April 2 last year. He died in hospital on April 25. 

A jury yesterday found Anaughe, of Dunoon Road, Lewisham, guilty of manslaughter at Croydon Crown Court. He had previously pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon.

He will be sentenced on Tuesday. 

Tyreece’s parents said: “Tyreece, known as Ty to his family and friends, was our youngest child.

“He was the youngest sibling to three older sisters and a brother. He was aged just 22 years when he died. He had his whole life to look forward to and he was so excited for the future. 

“He was an adored partner, and his daughter was just six months old when his life was cruelly and senselessly cut short. He also leaves behind a much-loved step son.  

“He lived and breathed football, especially his beloved Chelsea Football Club. He touched so many lives, he spoke his truth and it was from the heart. 

“He lived his life with positivity and energy and those around often turned to him for advice. He was such a support, and his loss has left a void that will never be filled. 

“The pain we feel at his loss is almost unbearable. Life will never be the same and the world is a much emptier place without him. We miss him so very much.” 

The court heard how Tyreece and his friends had been out celebrating a birthday in Beckenham and were finding their way home after the club had closed. 

They ordered Ubers to the car park of Beckenham Junction railway station and around the time one of these was meant to be arriving, at around 4.50am, Anaughe pulled up in a white Volkswagen Golf.  

Anaughe then got out of the vehicle.  

Mistaking it for the taxi they’d ordered, Tyreece and one of his friends approached the car from the back as if to get in it. An argument ensued before Anaughe took out a knife and stabbed Tyreece. 

Tyreece received stab wounds to his head and heart and was taken to hospital in a critical condition, where he passed away three weeks later, despite the best efforts of medical staff. 

Detectives traced the vehicle Anaughe was driving to another man who was arrested the day after the incident. Enquiries on the man’s phone showed he received a call from Anaughe minutes after the incident. 

This led officers to Anaughe who, enquiries confirmed, had been using the man’s car at the time of the incident.

Anaughe had shaved his beard and hair in an attempt to evade police for more than a week. He was arrested at his home on April 10.   

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Langley said: “This was a horrific act of violence which claimed the life of a much-loved young father, partner, son, and friend.     

“Dejon Anaughe made the decision to take a knife out that night and use it in the most brutal of ways, and because of that Tyreece’s young daughter will now have to grow up without him.  

“Officers worked relentlessly to identify Anaughe and bring him before the courts to face justice, and I hope Tyreece’s family, who we have been supporting throughout the investigation, are able to take some small comfort from the fact he’ll be spending the foreseeable future in prison.” 

Pictured top: Tyreece Daley (Picture: Family picture)