Stalker Who Killed Rhiannon Whyte on Station Platform Jailed for Life

A man who followed a young woman home from work before killing her on a railway station platform has been sentenced to life imprisonment.

Deng Chol Majek, 27, was convicted of the murder of Rhiannon Whyte, along with possession of an offensive weapon, at Wolverhampton Crown Court on 24 October. On Friday, a judge at Coventry Crown Court handed Majek a life sentence, ordering that he must serve a minimum of 29 years in prison.

The court heard how Rhiannon finished her shift at the hotel where Majek was staying at around 11pm on Sunday 20 October 2024. She then set off on the short walk to Bescot Stadium station to catch a train home, speaking to a friend on her phone as she made her way there.

Majek followed her from the hotel and caught up with her on the station platform, where he carried out a sustained and violent attack, stabbing her multiple times before leaving the scene. CCTV footage later showed him leaving the station, stopping to buy alcohol, and then returning to the hotel, where he was seen singing and dancing. He was arrested several hours later.

Rhiannon was taken to hospital but died three days after the attack, surrounded by her family. Medical evidence confirmed she suffered a catastrophic brain injury.

Rhiannon’s family paid tribute to her in a statement read out in court. They said:

“The pain and suffering we have experienced since the horrific attack is something we still have to address every day, and I cannot see a time when this will not be the case. To add insult to injury, due to the cowardice of her attacker and his failure to face up to what he has done, we have had to sit and endure reliving Rhiannon’s last moments over and again in a very public setting. Rhiannon had an unwavering strength and a kind heart. She faced challenges with courage and grace, never letting anything diminish her spirit. Her resilience taught us the importance of staying strong in the face of adversity and always remaining united through love and determination.”

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell, said:

“Her killer may have been sentenced to life in prison today, but no sentence or outcome will ever really be justice for Rhiannon’s family and friends, who continue to live with this insurmountable, horrific loss. Their own life sentence began in October 2024, the moment Rhiannon was taken from them. As we close this chapter, it is important that we remember Rhiannon for the person she was…her kindness, her energy, and the joy she brought to those around her… rather than the person responsible for her death. Today’s sentence ensures her killer will face the consequences of his actions, but it is Rhiannon’s life and legacy that should live on.”

Image: British Transport Police