Gang member chases man before stabbing him to death shouting ‘die, die, die’

Sara Odeen-Isbister

Published March 17, 2025 5:02pm Updated March 18, 2025 2:38pm

A gang member has been jailed after stabbing a man to death in while shouting ‘die, die, die’.

Dellan Charles, 24, was sentenced today to a minimum of 23 years in jail at Kingston Crown Court for the murder of Sean O’Neill, 23.

In CCTV footage, Charles can be seen chasing Mr O’Neill through quiet residential streets in Hayes, west London on May 18, 2023 following an altercation between rival gangs.

After cornering him, Charles used two knives to stab his victim multiple times as he screamed ‘die, die, die’.

The killer was then caught on separate footage calmly walking away,before escaping by trespassing through people’s gardens.

During Charles’s murder trial, the jury heard how he disposed of a knife at a nearby address, before fleeing the area and disappearing for just shy of a year.

Over the course of the next ten months, police detectives pieced together the course of events, while conducting an extensive manhunt.

Haunting moment gang member chases man and stabs him to death shouting 'die, die, die' Man sentenced to life in jail for murder of Sean O?Neill Share on Facebook Share on Linkedin Share on Twitter Download as PDF A 23-year-old man responsible for the brutal murder of Sean O?Neill has been jailed for life. Dellan Charles (08.01.2001), of no fixed address, appeared at Kingston Crown Court on Monday, 17 March where he was told he will serve a minimum of 23 years behind bars. He was convicted of murder on Tuesday, 17 December. On the evening of Thursday, 18 May 2023, following an altercation between two rival groups in Reynolds Road, Hayes, Charles chased and killed Sean in a quiet residential street in broad daylight. After cornering him, Charles used two knives to stab Sean multiple times. During the trial, the court heard how Charles shouted ?die, die, die? during the attack. In CCTV footage, Charles was pictured calmly leaving the scene after delivering the fatal blows, before making his escape by trespassing through nearby leafy suburban gardens. The jury heard how Charles disposed of a knife at a nearby address, before concocting a calculated plan to flee the area. He then went to ground for just shy of a year. Over the course of the next ten months, detectives pieced together the course of events alongside an extensive manhunt. The specialist team of officers then used this evidence and intelligence to capture Charles in Coventry on Wednesday, 27 March 2024, helping secure justice for Sean and his family. The jury heard how Sean was a funny, kind and sociable person and many people have been deeply affected by his tragic death. Detective Inspector Kevin Martin, who led the investigation for Specialist Crime South, said: ?Myself and the team once again pay tribute to Sean?s family who, throughout this distressing time, have shown real strength and togetherness. ?Heartbreakingly, nothing will ever bring Sean back, but today, the man responsible for taking him away from his much-loved family has been forced to face the reality of his malicious actions.? In a statement previously provided by Sean?s family, they added: "We really appreciate the efforts of the Metropolitan Police and the Crown Prosecution Service in bringing about justice, as well as the support we have received throughout this difficult process. "Sean will be remembered for his big heart, charming smile and fun-loving personality. He is incredibly loved by us all and we miss him every day." Metropolitan Police — Dellan Charles, who has been jailed for the murder of Sean O’Neill (Picture: Metropolitan Police)

Charles was eventually found and arrested in Coventry on March 27 last year and convicted of murder on December 17.

The jury heard how Mr O’Neill was a funny, kind and sociable person and that many people have been deeply affected by his tragic death.

Detective Inspector Kevin Martin, who led the investigation for Specialist Crime South, said: ‘Myself and the team once again pay tribute to Sean’s family who, throughout this distressing time, have shown real strength and togetherness.

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‘Heartbreakingly, nothing will ever bring Sean back, but today, the man responsible for taking him away from his much-loved family has been forced to face the reality of his malicious actions.’

Sean’s family said in a statement: ‘We really appreciate the efforts of the Metropolitan Police and the Crown Prosecution Service in bringing about justice, as well as the support we have received throughout this difficult process.

‘Sean will be remembered for his big heart, charming smile and fun-loving personality. He is incredibly loved by us all and we miss him every day.’

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