Two teenagers have been sentenced to a total of eight years over the killing of 17-year-old Yeray Sanchez Morales after detectives used mobile phone footage and forensics to link them to the attack.

Four more teenagers and a man were further sentenced for violent offences in the events surrounding the incident. All were found not guilty of murder.

At 22:46hrs on Wednesday, 27 August 2025, Yeray and a friend were sitting outside a branch of McDonalds on Old Kent Road, Southwark when a group of young men approached.

They stabbed them both in front of a crowd of teenagers before kicking Yeray and hitting him with a bottle. Yeray suffered nine wounds to the neck and chest and died a week later in hospital.

Yeray’s friend, who survived the attack, said they did not know why they had been targeted.

Seven boys and a man – aged between 15 and 20 at the time – were located at addresses across London following a manhunt by specialist Met detectives.

Detective Sergeant Debbie Barge, who led the investigation, said: “Yeray was just a teenager with his whole life ahead of him. This was cruelly cut in an act of violence that deeply shocked the whole community.

“The majority of the teenagers present were horrified by what they witnessed – we would like to thank them for working closely with us to bring those responsible for justice.

“Detectives worked quickly to track down the suspects, proving their roles in and surrounding Yeray’s death. Our thoughts remain with his family, and hope these convictions can bring them some degree of peace.”

Elena Morales, Yeray’s mother, said: “Yeray was only 17 years old when his life was stolen. He was a sensitive, happy, polite and generous young man, always ready to help anyone who needed it. He had a special way of connecting with others, and a kindness that shone through everything he did.

“He loved to dance and sing. He had just finished the first year of a Sport Science course and he dreamt of becoming a PE Teacher.

“Yeray had his whole life ahead. He was in love and full of dreams and projects.

“I remember how his eyes shone when he was helping others. At school and in college, he always looked out for newly arrived students and supported them so that they would not feel isolated. He showed them around, introduced them to other students and did everything he could to make them feel welcome. He even gave them my telephone number so that we could help them adapt to a new life in London.

“That was the essence of Yeray: a person who always cared about others more than himself.

“His death has left a wound so deep that it can never heal. The sadness and pain have scarred our family and his friends forever.

“His absence is felt every day. Every birthday, every family occasion reminds us that Yeray should be there with us.

“As a mother, I have no words to describe the pain that crushes my soul. Burying my own son, going to the courts, hearing about how he died, the whole process has been unbearably painful. This sadness takes away my desire to live. But I am sustained by God, and by the support of my family and friends and all the professional teams that have treated me with such understanding and affection.”

• Andres Tapia Londono, 18 (02.02.2008), of Willan Road, Haringey, was convicted of manslaughter. He was sentenced to four years.
• Christhofer Jesus Vasquez, 18 (14.04.2008), of Platts Road, Enfield, was convicted of manslaughter. He pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article on Friday, 23 January. He was sentenced to four years for the manslaughter and one year for the second offence. Sentences to run concurrent.
• Isaac Ros Ramirez, 18 (17.05.2008), of Pamela Street, Hackney, was convicted of violent disorder and given a community order.
• Juan Betancourt Hoyos, 21 (05.03.2005), of Mount Pleasant Road, Haringey, was convicted of violent disorder and given a community order.
• A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was convicted of violent disorder. He was sentenced to 16 months.
• A second 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was also convicted of violent disorder. He was given a 12-month youth rehabilitation order.
• A third 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to violent disorder, intent to do grievous bodily harm and possession of a bladed article in relation to a second victim on Friday, 20 February. He was given a community order.

The investigation

Following Yeray’s death, detectives immediately reached out to the teenagers who had witnessed the horrific attack. Through targeted engagement and appeals, officers were able to identify and obtain a number of pieces of mobile phone footage of the night.

Using these and local CCTV, detectives were able to track the individuals through the video, determining who had struck blows through their distinctive clothing.

Police also used photos shared on the suspects’ social media, including images of bloodied hands and knives, to prove their involvement. Voice notes also linked them to the crime.

One of the 16-year-olds was found to have booked a taxi to take him away from the scene shortly after the Yeray was attacked.

A specialist forensic team was able to further link the group to the crime – one was identified through DNA left on the rim of a bottle he had used to attack Yeray.

Today’s sentences are evidence of the Met’s fight to drive down and obtain justice for victims of homicide in London.