Masked monster who stabbed man dead in front of son jailed 27 years

A chilling murder in a Leyton barbershop has left a community in shock and a family shattered, as Renai Belle, 30, was sentenced to nearly 27 years in prison for the brutal killing of Josh McKay, 33, in front of his young son.

The savage attack, captured on CCTV, exposed a web of premeditation and betrayal.

On July 6, 2024, Belle, masked in a balaclava, stormed into a Lea Bridge Road barbershop and stabbed McKay in the neck, a fatal blow stemming from a long-standing feud.

McKay, a devoted father, chased his attacker before collapsing, despite desperate efforts by bystanders to save him. He died at the scene, leaving his two children fatherless.

The Metropolitan Police’s relentless investigation uncovered damning evidence, including over 100 hours of CCTV footage and a chilling YouTube rap video where Belle openly threatened McKay.

The footage revealed Belle’s partner, Tenika Parker, 39, driving him to the crime scene after collecting a knife and balaclava from accomplice Daniel Cooper, 22. Parker later attempted to clean her car to erase evidence, while Cooper supplied the murder weapon.

Belle was arrested two days later in southwest London. Parker, convicted of perverting the course of justice and knife possession, received a 27-month sentence.

Cooper, who pleaded guilty to knife possession, was sentenced to 7.5 months and has been released after serving time.

Josh’s mother, Bash Kehinde, mourned her “beautiful, kind” son, whose loss has left an unfillable void.

Detective Inspector Chris Griffith called the attack “savage and pre-planned,” hoping the sentencing brings some closure to a grieving family and a shaken community.