Sudanese Asylum Seeker Jailed for Minimum 29 Years for 'Sadistic' Murder of Hotel Worker in Walsall

Life Sentence Handed Down for Brutal Murder

Deng Chol Majek, a Sudanese asylum seeker, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 29 years for the murder of Rhiannon Whyte, a 27-year-old hotel worker. The sentencing took place on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Coventry Crown Court. Ms. Whyte, a mother of one, was brutally attacked by Majek at Bescot Stadium railway station in Walsall in October 2024.

Details of the 'Frenzied' Attack

The court heard that Majek, who was residing at the Park Inn hotel in Walsall where Ms. Whyte worked, followed her from the hotel to the railway station after her shift on October 20, 2024, around 11:20 PM. Armed with a screwdriver, he launched a 'frenzied, sadistic and unprovoked' assault, stabbing Ms. Whyte a total of 23 times. Nineteen of these wounds were inflicted to her head, causing a fatal brain stem injury. Ms. Whyte, who was on the phone with a friend at the time, attempted to defend herself. She was discovered injured in a shelter on the platform by a train crew approximately five minutes after the attack and tragically died in hospital three days later, on October 23, 2024.

In a chilling display of callousness, Majek was captured on CCTV after the attack. He took Ms. Whyte's phone, threw it into the River Tame, purchased beer, and was later seen dancing and laughing in the hotel car park against the backdrop of emergency vehicle lights at the station.

Investigation, Conviction, and Age Discrepancy

The prosecution presented overwhelming evidence, including CCTV footage showing Majek stalking Ms. Whyte and returning to the hotel in bloodied clothing, as well as DNA evidence found under his fingernails. Jurors at Wolverhampton Crown Court unanimously convicted Majek of murder and possessing an offensive weapon on October 24, 2025, after deliberating for just over two hours.

During the trial, a significant discrepancy regarding Majek's age emerged. While he claimed to be 19 years old, age assessments and German documents indicated he was actually between 25 and 28. Presiding judge, Mr. Justice Soole, sentenced Majek on the basis that he was 26 years old at the time of the murder. It was also noted that Majek is believed to have entered the UK by small boat less than three months before the attack.

Judge's Remarks and Family's Devastation

Mr. Justice Soole condemned Majek's actions, describing the attack as one of 'vicious brutality' and stating that the 'intent was to kill'. He told Majek that he had brought 'devastation' to Ms. Whyte's family. Throughout the proceedings, Majek maintained his denial of being the assailant and showed no remorse.

Rhiannon Whyte's family delivered powerful victim impact statements to the court. Her mother described Majek as an 'evil nightmare', while the family collectively branded him 'demonic and inhuman'. They spoke of their 'insurmountable, horrific loss' and stated that their 'own life sentence began in October 2024, the moment Rhiannon was brutally taken from them'.