*This episode contains descriptions of violence*
Kai Shannon is serving a life sentence for the fatal stabbing of 18-year-old Wahab Zaaki in Walthamstow, east London, on 13 March 2009. They were both junior members of a local gang known as the DM crew. Shannon has always maintained his innocence.
No motive was ever established, and no DNA or forensic evidence linked Shannon to the crime, but the compelling testimony of a witness was key to his conviction. The court heard from fellow gang member Rhys Williams, who was also injured during the incident, that he saw Shannon attack Zaaki.
However, in a phone call that Shannon covertly recorded in prison, Williams says that Shannon was a “sacrifice”, and suggests naming Shannon was “a group decision”.
Reporter Emily Dugan analyses the case against Shannon, and tracks down other witnesses who were there the night of the murder.
The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) launched a review of Shannon’s case in January this year. Rhys Williams did not respond to questions put to him by the Guardian.
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Photograph: Family handout
