A man wanted in connection with the murder of Julian Ebanks in New Cross has been named as Raphael Eregoba.
Julian, 21, was stabbed to death on Kender Street on August 4 last year by a man who later fled the country, sentencing Judge Nicholas Heathcote Williams said.
Julian’s childhood friend, 21-year-old Ismaiel Kallon, was jailed for life for murder on Friday (December 13) after a jury found he lured Julian to the street knowing he would be subjected to a “revenge attack”.
A court heard that the fatal attack was set in motion by the stabbing of one of their mutual friends in Surrey Quays months earlier – Julian was suspected by Kallon and others of being involved in that stabbing.
Julian had not lived in London for a number of years due to concerns for his safety, but frequently returned to see family.
Prior to his death Julian confided in Kallon, who he regarded as a close friend, that he was returning to London that weekend to celebrate his brother’s birthday.
But Kallon betrayed this trust by relaying that information to those who wished to exact “revenge” against Julian, a court heard.
Kallon persuaded him to meet him in Kender Street but when Julian arrived he was ambushed by another man who stabbed him three times. Julian died in the street.
Kallon handed himself in at Lewisham Police Station days later, while the man who stabbed Julian left the country, the court heard.
After Kallon was jailed for life a Met Police spokesperson told News Shopper: “Raphael Eregoba is wanted in connection with the murder of Julian Ebanks.
“He left the country following the murder and enquiries are ongoing to locate him.
“Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or post @MetCC quoting Op Archband or ref 01/MP/12761/23.
“To remain 100 per cent anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Julian Ebanks (Image: Met Police) Detective Chief Inspector Martin Thorpe, who led the homicide investigation, said: “Kallon is a dangerous individual, who had no qualms about luring another man to his death.
“Our thoughts of course remain with the loved ones of Julian – we know this has been an extremely difficult time and we will continue to offer them our full support.
“I am pleased that as a result of our investigation we have delivered justice for the Ebanks family by ensuring the person responsible for Julian’s killing will spend a considerable time behind bars.
“I would also like to commend the outstanding work of my team. Their incredible dedication and many long hours analysing CCTV and phone records meant that Kallon was identified and arrested only six days after the horrific attack.”
At Kallon’s sentencing hearing a statement from Julian’s mother was read out, describing the devastating effect of his murder.
She said: “Where Julian is there is always a sense of happiness and laughter. He was always very caring and compassionate.
“He would listen to both sides of the conflicts of his siblings in such a way that when he was finished they would make up.
“When he was at home our family time was such a joy and he was always smiling.”
She described how the day Julian was murdered was just like any other, he told her he was going out and would be back soon.
“I often wondered if I had just stopped Julian leaving the home that night my son would still be alive today, and these thoughts haunt me at night,” she said.