Three jailed for minimum of 22 years for Haringey murder

Three men have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Gregory Catillo Volquez, who was killed in Haringey in January 2025. Benito Ramirez Kones, Carlos Akum Metumbe, and Luiggi Perelli Santana were convicted at Southwark Crown Court. Kones and Metumbe, both described as being from Spain, were convicted at the end of an eight-week trial. Italian national Santana was also found guilty. They were sentenced on Friday, 4 September.

Attack details

Mr Volquez, 36, was pronounced dead at approximately 05:00 on Monday, 13 January 2025, on Tiverton Road. He had been out with friends in south London before travelling north. The investigation established that Mr Volquez did not know his attackers, and the reason for the assault remains undetermined. His post-mortem examination revealed 22 stab wounds, many from a large knife, and injuries consistent with a blunt object.

Evidence links defendants

Forensic evidence played a key role in securing the convictions. Kones was arrested five days after the incident in Swansea. Trainers seized from him, identified on CCTV, were found to have traces of Mr Volquez's blood. Metumbe and Santana were traced to Spain and extradited to the UK. CCTV footage showed them striking Mr Volquez with a machete and a crutch. Santana’s fingerprints were found on the crutch and a large knife, as reported by the Metropolitan Police.

Sentencing and impact

Benito Ramirez Kones, aged 21, received a minimum sentence of 23 years. Carlos Akum Metumbe, aged 22, was given a minimum of 22 years. Luiggi Perelli Santana, aged 22, must serve a minimum of 23 years. A fourth man involved in the case was found not guilty. In a statement read to the court, Mr Volquez’s partner, Teresa, spoke of the devastating impact on their young daughter, who misses her father, and on his mother. She described the family as being marked forever by the loss.

Investigation overview

Detective Inspector Jim Barry, who led the Metropolitan Police investigation, stated that his team showed significant tenacity in building a case with strong forensic evidence. He expressed hope that the outcome would provide justice and closure for Mr Volquez’s family. The Met police reported that they secure positive outcomes from 95 per cent of their murder investigations.