Two convicted of murder after Harlow stabbing
It's after the stabbing of Cristian-Marin Patru last November
Last updated 31st May 2022
Two men have been convicted of murder after a fatal stabbing in Harlow last November.
Police were called to an address in The Hides at around 5:40pm on November 8, finding 24 year old Cristian-Marin Patru collapsed on the floor.
He'd suffered stab wounds to his chin, back and neck and was pronounced dead at the scene.
A witness reported seeing a man dressed in a dark tracksuit running away from the scene at the time of the attack.
Police later established a link between Cristian and drug dealer Jayden Drake, who was running a county line named 'Bobby Davro'.
Drake had been using an address in The Hides as part of his activities and his fingerprints were found at the scene, along with those of 19 year old Igors Andersons.
A manhunt led police to arrest the pair in Bournemouth.
Cristian’s blood was found on Drake and Anderson’s clothing and shoes and both were charged with murder.
Drake, of Maclean Road, Bournemouth, and Andersons, of Tickenhall Drive, Harlow, were both found guilty of murder at Chelmsford Crown Court today.
Each will be sentenced on July 22.
Detective Chief Inspector Ant Alcock, investigating officer at Essex Police, said:
“Cristian was killed in a brutal and senseless attack.
“Jayden Drake and Igors Andersons used extreme violence to take Cristian’s life in a planned attack.
“They then ran from the scene, fleeing more than 120 miles in an attempt to evade justice.
“However, there was no escaping what they had done or Essex Police.
“They are now facing spending a significant amount of time behind bars and Essex is a safer place because of this.
“Officers from across the force contribute on a daily basis to reducing drug driven violence in our county and safeguarding those most vulnerable in society. It is a policing priority for us, and will continue to be so.
“No court result will ever bring Cristian back but I hope the conviction of these two men will help his family move forward.”