Man convicted of murder following Thornton Heath stabbing
Michael Patrick Afonso Peixoto was attacked by a group of men after he got out of a car
Last updated 24th Dec 2024
A man has been convicted of the murder of a 27 year old who was repeatedly stabbed in Thornton Heath just over a year ago.
29 year old Zak Baako, of no fixed address, was found guilty at the Old Bailey following the killing of Michael Patrick Afonso Peixoto.
Police were called to reports of a serious assault on Mayfield Crescent on the evening of December 19 2023.
Michael was pronounced dead at the scene.
An investigation found he'd been attacked by a group of men, one of whom was holding a large knife, after getting out of a car.
A friend who he was travelling with was threatened, with his car then being stolen.
Officers found cigarette butts on the floor near the scene, which they were able to link to Baako, as well as accomplices John Budal, 20 and of Ena Road and Omari Peat, who's 23 and of Southampton Gardens in Mitcham.
Budal was convicted of manslaughter and robbery, with Peat being found guilty of robbery.
All three will be sentenced on January 13 2025 at the Old Bailey.
Met Police Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe said: “Zak Baako arrived that day, armed with a knife and was prepared to use it against Michael Afonso Peixoto.
“It’s been just over a year since Michael was killed, leaving his family including his young son devastated.
“Whilst this Christmas will be no easier than the last for his family, I hope that this result allows them to start moving forward.”