A 24-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a father who was stabbed on an Earlsfield basketball court.
Simeon Scott Wasey, 24, of no fixed abode, appeared in custody at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, August 16, charged with the murder of Nicholas Stewart, 25.
Nicholas Stewart
Two other men were arrested by detectives on Sunday, August 17, and have since been bailed.
The two 23-year-olds were arrested in the early hours of Saturday morning on suspicion of murder. One has been bailed to a date this month and the other has been bailed to a date in early September.
Flowers line the basketball court where Mr Stewart was stabbed to death in front of children playing nearby.
Mr Stewart, a decorator, was killed on Wednesday evening in St John’s Drive, Henry Prince estate, Earlsfield.
It is understood that at least 20 people may have witnessed the event but fled the area in a panic.
Emergency services found Mr Stewart with serious stab wounds just before 9pm on Wednesday, August 13. He was pronounced dead.
Borough commander Detective Chief Superintendant Richard Smith said the police had increased foot patrols in the area to reassure the community.
D Chief Supt Smith: "We are currently supporting the families of those concerned throughout this difficult time."
Flowers now line the basketball court along with bottles of alcohol, candles and an Arsenal shirt.
A post-morterm examination at St George’s Hospital said he died from stab wounds to the leg and chest.
His family have been informed.
One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “It is very sad. It happened in front of children – they saw it happen.
“The area was closed up while they cleared up the blood.”
Tooting MP Sadiq Khan grew up on the Henry Prince estate and said: “I know how close knit residents in the community are, and I join them in feeling incredibly shocked and saddened by this news.
“My thoughts are with the victim’s family at this difficult time.
“It is important that the police are able to complete their investigations and I would encourage anyone who has any information to contact the police as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information should call police on 020 8721 4961 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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