Josh McKay, 33, was stabbed in the neck last July by Renai Belle while he sat in a Lea Bridge Road barber shop with his young child, reports Marco Marcelline
A rapper has been sentenced to 28 years in jail for the murder of Josh McKay, 33, while he sat in a Leyton barber shop with his young son.
Renai Belle, 30, of Edmonton was handed the sentence today (30th July) at the Old Bailey. He was previously convicted for Josh’s murder and possession of a knife on Wednesday, 4th June.
Responding to the sentencing, Josh’s mother, Bash Kehinde said: “Today’s sentencing changes nothing for me and my family. I will never see my beautiful son. And his two children will now face life without their hero.
“To all of the mothers of murdered children, I understand your pain, the sadness and sense of loss that is unbearable. It is made worse because it was all so senseless.
“Josh was a beautiful happy kind man and an active and loving father. The world is less kind, less bright and less funny without him here.”
Detective Inspector Chris Griffith, who led the investigation, said: “This was a savage and pre-planned attack, committed in broad daylight and with scant regard for passers-by. What took place left the local community reeling, and two young children without their father.
“My heart goes out to Josh’s family and friends. He was a loving parent, whose life was ended in the most horrendous way.
“I hope that today’s result provides Josh’s family with some closure, and allows the community to feel safer knowing that Belle is no longer free to commit such heinous crimes.”
The court heard that Josh was at a barbershop on Lea Bridge Road with his son on Saturday, 6th July 2024. At around 3pm, as shown on CCTV seized by the investigation team, Belle entered the shop wearing a balaclava where he stabbed Josh in the neck in a pre-meditated attack following a long-standing dispute. Belle was then chased away by Josh.
Members of the public rushed to Josh’s aid and attempted to provide medical treatment until the arrival of officers and paramedics. Despite their best efforts, Josh died from his injuries.
Investigating officers discovered that Belle was the passenger in a car being driven by his partner, Tenika Parker. Having seen Josh enter the barbershop, the pair drove to the address of man called Daniel Cooper. In doorbell footage later seized, Cooper was seen providing Belle with the balaclava and knife that would be used minutes later to murder Josh.
Belle was then driven back to the barbers nearby before stabbing Josh. He was helped to escape by Parker in the waiting car.
A manhunt led to the arrest of Belle at an address in Pincott Road on Monday 8th July, 2024.
Officers later discovered a rap video on YouTube showing Belle threaten Josh in advance of the attack, more proof that it was pre-planned.
Parker was initially arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender on Sunday, 7th July in India Dock Road, Poplar. She was stopped by police while driving the car that had been identified as involved in the murder. During a search of Parker’s vehicle, officers found distinct black sliders Belle was seen wearing in CCTV footage, as well as traces of Josh’s blood.
Parker was rearrested on Wednesday, 2nd October, and charged with perverting the course of justice after CCTV footage showed her attempting to clean her car after the attack to remove any evidence.
Cooper was arrested after handing himself in to police on Thursday, 11th July. During a search at Cooper’s property, officers discovered two knives matching the branding of the weapon that was left at the scene of Josh’s murder. Forensic testing on the balaclava and knife discarded by Belle at the scene of Josh’s murder found DNA that matched with Cooper.
On Wednesday, 4th June, Tenika Parker, 39, of Canterbury Road, Leytonstone and Daniel Cooper, 22, of Gosport Road, Leytonstone stood trial alongside Belle.
Parker was convicted of possession of a knife and perverting the course of justice. On Wednesday, 30th July, she was sentenced at the Old Bailey to two years and three months years in prison.
Cooper had previously pleaded guilty to possession of a knife but was acquitted of other offences. He was sentenced on Friday, 6th June for seven and a half months.
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