Hotel Worker Fatally Stabbed at Railway Station; Asylum Seeker Charged with Murder

Asylum Seeker Accused of Murdering Hotel Worker in Walsall

An 18-year-old man who allegedly arrived in the UK illegally via small boat in July has been charged with murder following the fatal stabbing of a 27-year-old hotel worker at a railway station in Walsall. Rhiannon Skye Whyte, an employee at a hotel housing asylum seekers, was attacked late on Sunday night, just after finishing her evening shift.

The accused, Deng Chol Majek, is believed to have crossed the Channel into the UK in July, arriving undocumented and subsequently applying for asylum. Majek had been housed at the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel in Bescot, a location currently being used to accommodate asylum seekers, where Ms Whyte was employed.

Incident Details and Background

The fatal attack took place at Bescot Stadium station on Sunday evening after Ms Whyte had completed her shift at the hotel. Police reports indicate that she had finished work around 23:00 and was on her way to catch the 23:21 train home. A passerby discovered her unconscious with severe injuries at approximately 23:25.

Ms Whyte was found with injuries consistent with a stabbing and was rushed to hospital. Despite medical intervention, she died on Wednesday with her family by her side.

Authorities have disclosed that Majek was initially charged with attempted murder; however, following Ms Whyte's passing, the charge was upgraded to murder on Thursday. He has also been charged with possession of an offensive weapon.

Alleged Motive and Hotel Reaction

While specific details of the incident remain under investigation, reports indicate a possible altercation at the hotel earlier that evening. According to sources, a minor disagreement over a packet of biscuits may have taken place before the attack, though police have yet to confirm if this was the direct motive.

Following the attack, all asylum seekers residing at the Park Inn by Radisson in Bescot were reportedly relocated from the premises. This decision was allegedly taken as a precautionary measure amid concerns over potential reprisals.

---

---

Community and Family Response

The fatal stabbing has sparked an outpouring of grief from friends, family, and the local community. Mourners have left floral tributes at Bescot Stadium station, commemorating Ms Whyte's life. Her family released a heartfelt statement, describing her as "the most loved daughter, compassionate sister, loving aunty, gracious granddaughter, beautiful niece, wonderful cousin and devoted friend."

They added, "The most selfless person... brave, quirky, funny, and always there for anyone who needed it. There is not enough paper in the world to even begin to write a tribute for you, but no one deserves it more."

Legal Proceedings

Majek has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court on 19 November for a preliminary hearing. Nicholas Coates, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS West Midlands, confirmed the prosecution's issuance of an indictment. "The prosecution has issued an indictment and Deng Chol Majek will now face counts of murder and possession of an offensive weapon following a stabbing at Bescot Stadium railway station," Coates stated.

Majek's arrival in the UK without documentation and his accommodation at the Park Inn by Radisson, part of the country's response to asylum seeker needs, have highlighted ongoing concerns about the accommodation and monitoring of individuals entering the country illegally.

The Briefing Room

Every week, thousands enter without checks. Understand the implications for national security and your community. Join our team of former emergency services and armed forces personnel behind the paywall for an analysis of this story.