The mother of a 15-year-old boy who was killed in a violent attack involving a machete has criticized social services for not assisting him in escaping from drug dealers who had manipulated him. Jodian Taylor’s son, Daejaun Campbell, pleaded for help, saying “I’m 15, don’t let me die” during a gang-related assault. Despite Jodian’s appeals, Greenwich Council did not acknowledge that Daejaun met the criteria for social services support until it was too late.
Shortly after the tragedy, the council sent an email to Jodian to reschedule a meeting, unaware of Daejaun’s death. Jodian expressed her disappointment, stating that there were numerous missed opportunities to protect her son.
According to BBC Panorama, social workers and police were aware of Daejaun’s exploitation. One of the perpetrators, 17-year-old Imri Doue, was also identified as a victim of child criminal exploitation.
Panorama revealed that the appointed social worker failed to attend two crucial meetings prior to Daejaun’s murder. Jodian’s desperate pleas for assistance were ignored until she followed up a week later. Daejaun was fatally stabbed in Woolwich, South East London, on September 22, 2024, as a result of a drug dealing dispute.
Tragically, photos and videos surfaced showing Daejaun holding drugs and money while being exploited, a stark contrast to the son Jodian knew. Despite Jodian’s efforts to seek help through Daejaun’s school and the council, the necessary intervention was delayed until it was too late.
Following a court trial, Imri Doue and Marko Balaz were found guilty in connection to Daejaun’s death. The police emphasized their commitment to not only prosecute offenders but also protect vulnerable youths from gang-related crimes and drug exploitation.
Greenwich Council expressed sympathy for the families affected by the tragic incidents and acknowledged the severity of knife crime in the area. They mentioned ongoing safeguarding reviews preventing detailed comments on the cases.
