A teenager has been found guilty of murder after fatally stabbing Saymore T Kwashira with a machete at a flat in the Belle Isle area of Leeds.
Romaine James, aged 18, of Reginald Mount, Leeds, was convicted of murder yesterday (2 October 2025) following a trial at Leeds Crown Court. He has been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing on 5 November.
Police were called at 12.17am on 12 November 2024 by Yorkshire Ambulance Service who reported that they were treating an unconscious man who had been stabbed with a machete in a flat on Winrose Avenue, Leeds. Saymore was transported to hospital but died shortly after.
The Homicide and Major Enquiry Team investigation centred on who had been in the flat with Saymore and their movements following the attack.
It was established that James was part of a group of three males who went to the flat where Saymore and a friend had been staying with the woman who lived there. The group were inhaling nitrous oxide when an argument started between Saymore and James. During the fight, James stabbed Saymore to the neck and stomach.
James and the other two males he was with have left the address and got into a taxi which took them to the Beeston area of Leeds. James was seen on CCTV holding what appeared to be a machete.
Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle, Senior Investigating Officer, said:
“Saymore was a young man who has lost his life in a senseless brutal attack. What seems to have started out as a meet up of friends and associates has ultimately taken a deadly turn when an argument has turned violent.
“This incident shows the absolutely devastating impact that carrying weapons such as machetes can have. More than one family has been ripped apart by James’ choice to use the extreme levels of violence that he did that night.”
This post is based on a press release issued by West Yorkshire Police
Main Photo: Romaine James
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