Jury Hears Asylum Seeker in Walsall Hotel Worker Murder Appeared ‘Clearly Excited’ After Incident

An asylum seeker is on trial for the murder of a hotel worker in Walsall, where he allegedly stabbed her 23 times with a screwdriver. The incident involved Deng Chol Majek, a 19-year-old Sudanese national, who reportedly showed a disturbing demeanor following the brutal attack.

Details of the Attack

The incident occurred on 20 October 2022, at the Park Inn hotel, where Rhiannon Skye Whyte was employed for only three months. Witnesses testified that after finishing her shift at 11 pm, Whyte was pursued to the Bescot Stadium railway station by Majek. CCTV footage captured the moments leading up to the murder.

Chilling Behavior After the Incident

• Majek was described as “clearly excited” following the attack.
• He was observed laughing and dancing after inflicting fatal wounds on Whyte.

During a phone call with a friend, Whyte was heard screaming moments before she was discovered on the train platform by a guard. The prosecutor, Michelle Heeley KC, presented evidence that described the attack as savage, stating that Majek followed the 27-year-old victim and attacked her with a screwdriver, leading to her death.

Evidence Against Deng Chol Majek

The court received vital evidence from CCTV footage, which allowed police to trace Majek. The distinctive clothing he wore during the attack helped authorities quickly locate him. Additionally, it was revealed that Whyte’s DNA was found under Majek’s fingernails, suggesting she fought back.

• Majek was found with clothing stained with Whyte’s blood.
• Items recovered included a jacket, a ring, and sandals—all linked to the crime scene.

Forensic evidence showed that the victim had suffered 23 stab wounds, primarily to her head, with others on her chest and arm. Eleven of these wounds penetrated her skull, indicating the attack’s brutal intensity.

Motivation Behind the Attack

While the motives remain unclear, it was reported that Majek had been seen staring at Whyte during the evening. He denied the charges of murder and possession of an offensive weapon, and the trial continues as the jury deliberates the evidence presented.