Tyler Donnelly, 19, was stabbed to death in the neck by the trio who ambushed him in Hanworth Park
Tyler Donnelly’s body was found in thick grass in Hanworth Park close to his discarded bike (Image: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire )
The first photographs of three men who murdered a teenager in a West London park have been released by police. Tyler Donnelly, 19, was stabbed to death by the trio in Hanworth Park, Feltham, on January 24, 2024.
Keith Preddie, 34, of Feltham, Daniel Matos, 23, of Hounslow and Joshua Cowley, 29, also of Hounslow were all found guilty at the Old Bailey on Friday, February 27, following a five week trial.
Tyler had cycled to the park in his role as a runner for a local drug gang operated from a phone number called the “John line”. When he arrived, he was set on by the three men who fatally stabbed him in the neck.
Tyler Donnelly’s body was found in Hanworth Park(Image: Met Police)
His body was found the next day in thick grass near his discarded bike. He was still carrying nearly 30 packages of heroin and crack cocaine and £300 in cash.
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, from the Metropolitan Police Service, said: “My thoughts and those of my team remain with the family of Tyler, who have all been deeply affected by the senseless violence that night. Tyler’s family have had to sit in court and listen to every harrowing detail of how he was stabbed and left to die alone.
“Each of the defendants had their role to play and committed acts of horrific violence. My team worked tirelessly over many months, painstakingly gathering evidence to ensure that the three men were brought to justice.
“This case also shows the devastating impact that drugs have on our communities and the link with serious violence. It’s why we’re so committed to tackling drugs supply, which we know rips families like Tyler’s apart.”
Left to right – Joshua Cowley, Daniel Matos and Keith Preddie were all found guilty of murder at the Old Bailey(Image: Met Police)
Data from Matos’ electronic tag was used to link him to the location that Tyler’s body was found. CCTV also captured the trio cycling into the park and exiting shortly afterwards.
All three were arrested on Sunday, January 28. A hoody stained with Tyler’s blood was found by police in Matos’ room. During interview, all three denied ever meeting Tyler.
A trial began at the Old Bailey on Monday, January 6 which resulted in a hung jury after 22 hours of deliberation. A retrial began on Monday, January 19, concluding on Friday, February 27, with all defendants found guilty of murder. All three will be sentenced at the same court on Tuesday, March 17.
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