In a shocking and brutal act, 27-year-old Deng Chol Majek, an asylum seeker from Sudan, was given a life sentence after murdering Rhiannon Whyte with a screwdriver. The tragedy unfolded back in October 2024 when Majek, who had arrived in the UK only a few months earlier by small boat, followed Rhiannon after her shift at a Walsall hotel, where he had been staying.
Rhiannon, a young mother whose son was just five at the time, was not only a dedicated worker but a beloved sister and daughter. The courtroom was moved by the words of Rhiannon’s family, who described Majek’s actions as “demonic and inhuman”. Her grieving mother, Donna, vowed that Rhiannon’s memory will always be cherished, despite the violent and heartless nature of her passing.
CCTV footage proved crucial during the trial, showing Majek shadowing Rhiannon to a railway station before the savage attack. The evidence was so compelling that it took the jury only a little over two hours to convict him unanimously. Majek’s subsequent actions compounded the horror; he was seen buying beer and celebrating at the hotel while emergency services were at the scene of the crime.
Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, including DNA traces and CCTV captures, Majek continued to deny his involvement. As the judge handed down the sentence, they emphasised the devastation brought to Rhiannon’s family and the lack of any remorse shown by Majek.
This court ruling serves as a grim reminder of the impact of violent crimes on victims and their families. Our thoughts are with Rhiannon’s loved ones, who must now navigate life without her vibrant presence. May justice and the promise of never forgetting Rhiannon bring them a measure of peace.