Renai Belle stabbed a 33-year-old man to death at a barbershop in front of the victim’s child last July

Killer Renai Belle (left, credit Met Police) and victim Josh McKay (right)

An Edmonton man has been convicted of murdering a father in front of his young child at a barbershop.

Josh McKay, 33, was stabbed in the neck by Renai Belle in a targeted attack and died from his injuries at the scene in Leyton, East London, on 6th July last year.

During the Metropolitan Police investigation, officers discovered a rap video showing Belle threaten Josh before the attack.

Yesterday (Wednesday 4th) at the Old Bailey, Belle, aged 30 and of Swaythling Close in Edmonton, was convicted of Josh’s murder and possession of a knife. A man and woman were also convicted of separate offences.

Detective Inspector Chris Griffith, who led the investigation, said: “This was a savage and pre-planned attack, committed in broad daylight and with scant regard for passers-by. What took place left the local community reeling, and two young children without their father.

“My heart goes out to Josh’s family and friends. He was a loving parent, whose life was ended in the most horrendous way.

“I hope that today’s result provides Josh’s family with some closure, and allows the community to feel safer knowing that Belle is no longer free to commit such heinous crimes.”

The court heard that Josh was at a barbershop with his son in Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, on Saturday, 6th July. At around 3pm, as shown on CCTV seized by the investigation team, Belle entered the shop wearing a balaclava where he stabbed Josh in the neck in a pre-meditated attack, following a long-standing dispute between the pair. Belle was then chased away by Josh.

Members of the public rushed to Josh’s aid and attempted to provide medical treatment until the arrival of officers and paramedics. Despite their best efforts, Josh died from his injuries.

A determined investigation began immediately in which officers painstakingly combed through more than 100 hours of CCTV footage to track Belle’s movements and understand what took place.

Officers discovered that Belle was the passenger in a car being driven by his partner, Tenika Parker. Having seen Josh enter the barbershop, the pair drove to the address of man called Daniel Copper. In doorbell footage later seized, Cooper was seen providing Belle with the balaclava and knife that would be used minutes later to murder Josh. Belle was then driven back to the barbers nearby before stabbing Josh. He was helped to escape by Parker in the waiting car.

A manhunt led to the arrest of Belle at an address in Pincott Road, Wimbledon, on Monday, 8th July.

As part of officers’ determination to further establish a watertight case against Belle, officers carried out further enquiries. They discovered a rap video on YouTube showing Belle threaten Josh in advance of the attack, further proof that it was pre-planned.

Parker was initially arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender on Sunday, 7th July in India Dock Road, Poplar. She was stopped by police while driving the car that had been identified as involved in the murder. During a search of Parker’s vehicle, officers found distinct black sliders Belle was seen wearing in CCTV footage, as well as traces of blood that officers sent for forensic testing.

This provided a DNA match to Josh. Parker was rearrested on 2nd October and charged with perverting the course of justice after CCTV footage showed her attempting to clean her car after the attack to remove any evidence.

Cooper was arrested after handing himself in to police on Thursday, 11th July. During a search at Cooper’s property, officers discovered two knives matching the branding of the weapon that was left at the scene of Josh’s murder. Forensic testing on the balaclava and knife discarded by Belle at the scene of Josh’s murder found DNA that matched with Cooper.

Tenika Parker, aged 39 and of Canterbury Road, Leytonstone, and Daniel Cooper, aged 22 and of Gosport Road, Leytonstone, stood trial alongside Belle. Parker was convicted of possession of a knife and perverting the course of justice. Cooper had previously pleaded guilty to possession of a knife but was acquitted of other offences.

Cooper will be sentenced at the Old Bailey tomorrow (Friday 6th). Belle and Parker will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 30th July.

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