Wickford Man Found Guilty Of Killing Mum

16 April 2014, 18:03

A 21 year-old man has today been found guilty of killing his mother in Wickford.

The body of 44 year-old Tolu Kalejaiye was found inside her home on Wethersfield Way shortly after 10am on Thursday, September 26, 2013. A post-mortem examination showed that she died from stab wounds to the neck.

Tolu’s son, 21 year-old Dotun Kalejaiye, was arrested a short time later and a short distance away. He was later charged with one count of murder.

Following a two-week trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, the unemployed man who lived with his mother was found guilty of her manslaughter.

Senior Investigating Officer, DCI Lucy Morris, said: "Having listened to the evidence in this case, the jury decided that Dotun Kalejaiye is guilty of his mother’s manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Tolu Kalejaiye wanted the very best for her two sons. She worked tirelessly as a single mother to provide for them and support them in their studies. She was a strict mother, but only through her desire to see them succeed.

We would like to express thanks to the witnesses who came forward to give evidence in this case. Essex Police and the witness service recognise the stresses on witnesses in such cases and we will continue to do all we can to support them.

Equally, we would like to thank Tolu's wider family who have acted with dignity throughout the investigation and subsequent court process, despite the difficult circumstances they have found themselves in."

In a statement, Tolu’s family, said: "Our Tolu was a kind, generous, hardworking, focused and self-driven person. She was religious and diligent in her work. She worked hard to provide for herself and children. She was a giver and a compassionate person. We will miss her dearly.”

Dotun Kalejaiye sentencing has been adjourned for six weeks.