A safeguarding review into the fatal stabbing of 15-year-old Daejaun Campbell in south-east London has highlighted failures in inter-agency cooperation. His mother, Jodian Taylor, had repeatedly warned agencies about her son's increasing involvement in drug dealing.
Ms Taylor stated that her concerns regarding Daejaun's safety were not adequately addressed, and she noted a lack of communication between services. The review, published by the Greenwich Safeguarding Children Partnership (GSCP), found she raised fears about knife possession, criminal exploitation, and suspected drug dealing between February and September 2024.
Daejaun Campbell was attacked in Woolwich on 22 September 2024, suffering a fatal stab wound to the leg. Paramedics found drugs packaged for sale on him, and he died at the scene. It is believed he was targeted as part of a dispute between drug dealers.
Councillor Anthony Okereke, leader of Greenwich Council, apologised to Ms Taylor and acknowledged the review's central finding: the need for schools, police, health services, and the council to work more closely. The review made several recommendations, including better joint working, stronger responses to exploitation, and earlier intervention for at-risk children.