A tragic story has emerged from a courtroom in the UK, where a man was found guilty of killing his stepfather in a brutal attack. Adejuwon Oyekan, a 32-year-old social media boss, stabbed his 54-year-old stepfather, Jason Thompson, a shocking 44 times following a five-day drugs binge in Ibiza. The incident took place on July 11, 2023, just two days after Oyekan’s return from the Spanish island. The court learned that Oyekan had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and pleaded guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility.
During the trial at Old Bailey, Judge Alexia Durran KC handed the defendant a hospital order with restrictions due to his mental health condition. The court heard that Oyekan and his business partner, Max Webber, co-owned a social media management company. They had travelled to Ibiza on a business trip, where Oyekan indulged in a cocktail of drugs, including cocaine and ecstasy, triggering a psychotic episode. Upon returning to the UK, Oyekan exhibited concerning behaviour, giving away valuable possessions and displaying signs of mental distress, prompting his family to seek medical assistance unsuccessfully.
On the fateful day of the attack, police were called to the family home in Hayes, west London, by Oyekan’s sister, who reported his erratic behaviour. Officers found Oyekan armed with a large kitchen knife, kneeling over his stepfather with a disturbing lack of emotion. Despite attempts to subdue him, Oyekan continued his violent assault, inflicting fatal wounds on Mr. Thompson. Prosecutor Louise Oakley highlighted Oyekan’s state of psychosis during the attack, as he displayed aggressive and erratic behaviour towards law enforcement.
Throughout the trial, evidence surfaced pointing to Oyekan’s mental health struggles and previous convictions related to drug possession. The devastating impact of Jason Thompson’s untimely death was palpable in court, as family members expressed their profound grief and disbelief at the loss. In a poignant moment, Mr. Thompson’s mother, Veronica, reminisced about her son’s gentle nature and passion for football, emphasizing the irreplaceable void his absence had left in their lives.
Mitigating the defendant’s actions, Kevin Metzger underscored the family’s efforts to seek help before the tragedy unfolded. He highlighted a letter written by Oyekan, expressing deep remorse and the profound loss he felt for his stepfather. In her sentencing, Judge Durran acknowledged Oyekan’s mental health struggles and the tragedy that had befallen both families. She emphasised the need for ongoing psychiatric treatment, recognising the profound impact of mental illness on the defendant’s actions.
The courtroom ambiance was laden with sorrow and reflection, as the echoes of a shattered family reverberated through the proceedings. The harrowing tale of Adejuwon Oyekan serves as a sombre reminder of the complexities of mental health and its devastating consequences when left untreated. As the legal process unfolds, it is evident that behind every crime lies a web of personal struggles and societal failings, underscoring the need for compassion, understanding, and improved mental health support in our communities.