Two Men Sentenced for ‘Brutal’ Murder in Attack Planned on Snapchat:
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Two men in England have been sentenced to life in prison for the “brutal murder” of a former friend, whom they planned to attack while exchanging Snapchat messages, police have said. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Keahn Williams, 21, and Kai Nelson-Palmer, who just turned 18, orchestrated the attack on 22-year-old father Lucas Sutton in May 2023. The victim’s family expressed profound loss following the tragic event.
According to details released on April 5, 2025, Lucas Sutton was lured to an address in Croydon, U.K., where he was fatally stabbed as he returned from a local shop after buying drinks. The Old Bailey criminal court convicted Williams on April 26, 2024, while Nelson-Palmer was found guilty of murder four days later. Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie revealed that Sutton’s attempt to dispose of a firearm he had was perceived as betrayal by the group, leading to the deadly assault.
The court sentenced Williams to a minimum of 23 years in prison, with Nelson-Palmer receiving a minimum of 16 years behind bars. Police investigations revealed that the assailants had been plotting the attack through Snapchat messages. In a callous premeditated act, Williams attacked Sutton with a knife as the victim ran for help, ultimately succumbing to his injuries despite efforts by emergency services.
CCTV footage captured Williams wearing a balaclava as he chased Sutton down the street, linking him to the murder scene. Evidence presented in court showcased a calculated scheme to lure Sutton to the address and subsequently launch a violent assault. Chief Inspector Howie emphasised the devastation caused by the attack, acknowledging the immense pain endured by Sutton’s family and friends.
In a heart-wrenching statement, Sutton’s family remembered him as a young father with a promising future, underscoring the irreplaceable loss they have experienced. They highlighted the multiple roles Sutton held within their lives, from son and brother to father and friend, expressing the profound impact his absence has left behind. The family is left to grapple with the reality that Sutton’s young son will grow up without his father by his side.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a third individual, a 19-year-old man, was acquitted of murder charges in connection with the case. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities are continuing their efforts to bring closure to the tragic incident. The community remains shocked by the heinous nature of the crime and stands in solidarity with Sutton’s loved ones during this difficult time.
As the legal process unfolds, the memory of Lucas Sutton lives on, a stark reminder of the tragic consequences of violence and betrayal. The court’s verdict serves as a bittersweet form of justice for the family, who continue to navigate life without their beloved Lucas. The community remains vigilant, reminding each other to cherish and protect their loved ones in the face of unforeseeable challenges.