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A young man believed to have arrived in the UK via small boat in July has been charged with murder after a woman working at a hotel housing asylum seekers was stabbed to death. Rhiannon Skye Whyte (pictured left), 27, died following the attack at Bescot Stadium station in Walsall on Sunday evening.
Deng Chol Majek (not pictured), 18, of Walsall, was arrested and charged with attempted murder following the stabbing. However, the charge was changed to murder on Thursday following Ms Whyte’s death in hospital. It is understood a row over a packet of biscuits took place at the hotel just before the attack, The Sun reported.
The 18-year-old man is believed to have arrived in the UK in July after crossing the English Channel via small boat, before applying for asylum. He was said to be staying at the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel in Bescot, where Ms Whyte was employed. The victim finished her shift at the hotel at 11pm on Sunday and was aiming to get the 11.21pm train home to Walsall.
Police were alerted to the attack at 11.25pm by a passerby who found her lying unconscious at Bescot Stadium station. Ms Whyte was found with knife injuries consistent with being stabbed and rushed to hospital – but sadly died surrounded by her family on Wednesday.
Mourners have left floral tributes at the scene where the 27-year-old was attacked. Majek was remanded in custody and will next appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court on November 19. The victim’s family paid tribute to their much-loved daughter, sister, aunt, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend.
A spokesperson said: ‘The most loved daughter, compassionate sister, loving aunty, gracious granddaughter, beautiful niece, wonderful cousin and devoted friend. The most selfless person you were brave, quirky, funny, and always there for anyone who needed it.’
They added: ‘There is not enough paper in the world to even begin to write a tribute for you, but no one deserves it more. The weird thing about this devastating loss is that we now need to navigate life without you, but how? If your short life will teach anything it’s to cherish each moment with those you love as tomorrow is never guaranteed. You are so strong, a fighter and no matter what happens, we as a family will always be united for you. We will love and miss you for now for always and forever.’
Nicholas Coates (not pictured), Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS West Midlands, said: ‘The prosecution has issued an indictment and Deng Chol Majek will now face counts of murder and possession of an offensive weapon following a stabbing at Bescot Stadium railway station.’
He added: ‘He will appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court next month for a preparatory hearing. Chol Majek was initially charged with attempted murder but the victim, Rhiannon Whyte, has sadly died. Our thoughts remain with her friends and family at this incredibly difficult time.’
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