A HOMELESS man has been found guilty of murdering a man in Finchampstead.
Zelous Smythe was found the Nine Mile Ride after he had been stabbed in the chest on November 5 last year.
On Monday, May 20, 27-year-old Oliver Allerton, was found guilty by unanimous jury at Reading Crown Court following a trial which started on May 1.
And Victoria Quinton, 21 of Wilwood, Preistwood in Bracknell, was acquitted of one count of murder at the same hearing. She was found guilty of manslaughter by unanimous jury.
Mr Smythe, 27 and died of a single stab wound to his chest and had defensive wounds to his forearm and hand, which caused by a blade.
He died at the scene and Thames Valley Police began a murder investigation.
The court heard that Allerton had owed Mr Smythe money. And during the incident, Mr Smythe was involved in a collision with a car being driven by Quinton before being stabbed by Allerton.
Despite both Allerton and Quinton knowing that Zelous Smythe had been stabbed, they drove away from the scene without contacting the emergency services.
Three days later, on November 8, both Quinton and Allerton were charged with murder, having been arrested on November 5 and 6 respectively.
Allerton has also been convicted of grievous bodily harm without intent and possession of a knife.
This was in relation to an incident in Reeds Hill, Bracknell, at around 1pm on October 6 last year.
The victim was a man in his twenties and was assaulted with a knife and sustained cuts to his hands which required treatment
Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Sally Spencer, of the Major Crime unit, said: “Firstly, our thoughts are with the family and friends of Zelous, who is the victim in this case and lost his life on November 5 last year.
“Zelous suffered a single stab wound and died at the scene in Nine Mile Ride.
“Neither Allerton or Quinton helped Zelous after stabbing him and essentially left him to die at the scene of the murder Allerton committed.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank members of the public who stopped to help Zelous and those witnesses who have come forward providing essential CCTV footage and information to assist the investigation which led to these convictions.”
Sentencing for both Allerton and Quinton will be on a date yet to be set.
