The Met Police detective who led the investigation hit out at the gang members involved in the ‘extremely violent attack’ where they used ‘brutality and reckless violence’
The ‘extremely vulnerable’ mum of a young man chased by a gang down an alleyway in Walworth before being cornered and stabbed to death, says she cannot understand why the group of five ‘chose [her] son’. Giovanny Bedoya was found by police with multiple stab wounds behind flats on Hillingdon Street and died at the scene.
The 21-year-old’s mum has spoken for the first time now five men have been sentenced to a combined total of 107 years after being convicted of murdering Giovanny. In her victim impact statement, Giovanny’s mum said: “I want the world to know that my son was innocent. He was not fighting with anyone.
“He came out of his address and within seconds, was met with violence. He was not carrying a weapon. He did not go out to harm anyone. The five people guilty for his murder however intended to do just that, and for whatever reason they chose my son, they took away his life in the most brutal of ways.
“My son was killed in a country that I do not know, and I do not speak the language of. This put me in an extremely vulnerable position as I have had no choice but to rely on other people this entire last year. Every time my phone has rung from an overseas number, my heart skipped a beat and I would answer tentatively, in fear of hearing more bad news.
“I thank God and the whole police team who have put their heart and soul in the case of my son. I am grateful for all of the support from my liaison officer. My life will not be long enough for me to be able to thank you.”
The gang members were sentenced at the Old Bailey on Wednesday (May 20) after previously being convicted of murder on April 14, following an 11-week trial.
- Joseph Jimenez, 22, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 22 years.
- Angel Gonzalez Angulo, 19, of Camberwell Church Street, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years.
- Bryan Villada Hernandez, 20, of Langdale Close, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years.
- Zozoro Mohamed Olivier Boizo, 21, of Lorrimore Square, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years.
- Christian Batista Gonzalez, 22 of Moyers Road, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 22 years.
The investigation
Met Police detectives carried out an extensive investigation, including reviewing over 1,500 hours of CCTV footage, to connect the five men to the murder of Giovanny on April 14, 2025. At 9.16pm that night police were called to reports of a group fighting with knives near to Hillingdon Street and Langdale Close.
Officers found Giovanny behind residential flats on Hillingdon Street with multiple stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at 10.07pm. A post-mortem examination found the cause of death to be multiple sharp-force injuries. Enquiries revealed there had been a chase through an alleyway before Giovanny was cornered and attacked by the suspects.
Evidence and arrests
Hernandez was arrested at the scene. Forensic examination of his clothing later revealed the victim’s blood on his tracksuit and coat, as well as damage consistent with concealing a knife. Discussions about destroying evidence and concerns about police activity were also found in messages recovered from his phone.
Crucial CCTV footage from a nearby premises helped officers link the group to the attack as well as to an address on Langdale Close, which was being used as a squat.
CCTV also captured Angulo changing clothing and carrying a bin bag following the attack, after he and Boizo fled the address and travelled by taxi to a friend’s home. Prosecutors said this was the disposal of blood-stained items and weapons.
Jimenez was arrested on April 21 in Chichester, after fleeing London. Angulo was then arrested on April 23. Boizo was arrested on May 2. Gonzalez fled the UK and was arrested near Barcelona on May 19 , before being extradited back to the UK.
The gang members showed ‘ brutality and reckless violence’
Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn, who led the Met’s investigation, said: “Today’s sentences show that those who commit vicious and brutal attacks will face significant, life-altering consequences. The group acted together during a sustained and extremely violent attack, chasing and killing Giovanny, showing brutality and reckless violence.
“Our thoughts remain with Giovanny’s family and friends, who have shown immense courage and dignity throughout. I hope they can find some sort of peace following the conclusion of the trial.
“This was a complex case, and I would like to thank the community of Walworth who supported our investigation and provided us with a timeline of what had happened that night. The group acted with no thought to what others would see or hear and I am truly grateful for all those who came forward and gave their harrowing accounts.
“The Met remains committed to taking the most dangerous offenders off the streets to keep London safe.”
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