Temidayo Awe’s story is that of deceit, robbery and a crime that ended in heartbreak. Awe, a third-year student at Coventry University in the UK, found herself in a tragic event that shattered lives. Who is she? What was the tragic event about? And what has become of Temidayo Awe? Read on for the full scoop!
The details surrounding Saul Murray’s death in February 2022 paint a disturbing picture. Murray, a 33-year-old father of six, was lured into a honeytrap. Awe, along with Surpreet Dhillon, allegedly targeted Murray after he posted pictures of expensive watches on social media.
The criminal group included Temidayo Awe, Surpreet Dhillon, Ikem Affia, and Cleon Brown. The plot began when Dhillon, 36, initiated contact with Murray via Instagram, continuing their conversation on WhatsApp. On the night of the murder, February 26, 2022, Dhillon and Awe met with Murray at his flat, while Affia and Brown waited nearby in a car.
The women used GHB, a sedative, to drug Murray, hoping to incapacitate him and facilitate the robbery. However, the sedative did not fully take effect, leading to a violent struggle. CCTV footage captured the women leaving the flat shortly after 2:30 a.m. and propping open the communal door with a broom, allowing Affia and Brown to enter with the intention to rob Murray
As Affia and Brown entered the flat, Affia was seen carrying a large knife. Murray, despite being drugged, managed to flee but collapsed and died from a deep stab wound to his thigh, which severed his femoral artery. His body was discovered by a nightshift worker in the early hours of February 27.
Following Murray’s death, a police investigation led to the arrests of Awe, Dhillon, and others. CCTV footage played a crucial role in piecing together the events. One clip showed Awe’s accomplice cleaning a car believed to be used in the crime.
The Murray family has been understandably devastated. Losing a father and husband in such a callous manner is unimaginable. Saul Murray’s family has been deeply affected by his death. His father, Colin Murray, expressed profound grief, describing the experience of watching his son die on CCTV as devastating. The court acknowledged the significant emotional toll on the family, with Judge Michael Simon emphasizing the irreplaceable loss they have suffered.
The investigation by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit was extensive, involving the scrutiny of hours of CCTV footage, phone records, and vehicle telematics. A crucial piece of evidence was a distinctive designer Moncler coat worn by Affia, seen on CCTV and traced back to him through its purchase history. This helped police identify and locate the suspects
In a 10-week trial at Luton Crown Court, all four defendants were found guilty of their respective charges. Ikem Affia, identified as the primary assailant, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 25 years. Cleon Brown received an 11-year sentence, Surpreet Dhillon was sentenced to 10 years, and Temidayo Awe was given a seven-year sentence for manslaughter and conspiracy to commit robbery
Temidayo Awe’s story is a tragedy on multiple levels. A young woman’s life has been irrevocably altered by her involvement in this crime. News reports suggest she was a student, but the details of her background and motivations remain unclear.
While the verdict brings some closure, questions linger. What drove Awe to participate in this scheme? Was she coerced or manipulated? The full picture of how she became entangled in this web of deceit may never be clear.
This case raises crucial questions about social media safety and the dangers of online interactions. Murray’s story serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of flaunting wealth online.
Educating young people about online safety and the risks of honeytraps is crucial. Parents, educators, and social media platforms all have a role to play in raising awareness and promoting responsible online behavior.
While Awe’s actions were wrong, understanding the circumstances that led her down this path is important. Perhaps there are underlying factors – social pressures, financial difficulties – that need to be addressed to prevent similar tragedies.
The case of Temidayo Awe is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of manipulation, deceit, and violence. It serves as a call for vigilance in the online world and a plea for empathy in understanding the complexities that can lead young people astray.