WHEN police swarmed on an otherwise quiet street in Blackbird Leys on the night of June 1, a major investigation was quickly launched to find out who killed 27-year old Christopher Lemonius.
Officers scoured the scene and surrounding area and forensic experts uncovered DNA specimens and items later revealed to be discarded weapons - including golf clubs and chunks of wood.
The scene in Jourdain Road, Blackbird Leys, in June 2017
As investigations continued numerous eyewitnesses to the slaughter from the community gave accounts to the police, who went on to make a series of arrests between June and October before charging nine men and one woman in connection with the killing.
JAILED: Men who murdered Chris Lemonius learn their fate
MURDER TRIAL: All the sentences in full
Speaking one year and four months after the first scene watch was put in place, senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Andy Howard, of the Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit, welcomed the sentences.
Speaking outside the court he told reporters: “This was a lengthy and complex investigation into a death that was violent, tragic and unnecessary.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Howard outside Oxford Crown Court
“Nobody deserves to suffer as Christopher did that night. He was subjected to a prologued and brutal assault by a large group of people who intended to kill him.
“Following Christopher’s death Mr and Mrs Lamzini lied to investigating officers about the incident and provided them with false statements.
“Saffon Fakir and Alfie Simms together with others came to an agreement as to how to dispose of evidence which was crucial to the case.
“They have all now been brought to justice. I hope this demonstrates how thoroughly offences like this will be investigated.”
Floral tributes laid on Cuddesdon Way
Speaking of the impact this had had on Mr Lemonius’s family DCI Howard praised their dignity throughout proceedings.
He said: “Christopher’s family have had to listen to graphic descriptions of the horrific injuries that he suffered during this utterly brutal attack.
“The dignity they have shown is remarkable, I hope they have felt a sense that justice has been done and this is the first step on the road to a more positive future for them.”
'Our lives will never be the same again' - friends and family remember Chris Lemonius at his funeral
He went on to praise police officers involved in the investigation as well as prosecutors and the Crown Prosecution Service.
He also thanked eye-witnesses, many of whom came forward to give evidence during the trial and said that many had suffered ‘significant impacts’ to their personal lives as a result of witnessing the ordeal.
'Day of reconicilation' planned to bring Blackbird Leys community back together
DCI Howard added: “Their courage, determination and their sense of public duty are to be commended and I personally extend my thanks and admiration to them.
“Thames Valley Police is absolutely committed to tackling serious crime and to ensure that all offenders are held responsible for their crimes.”
To report a crime contact police on 999 or 101.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article