Last reviewed: June 2026

Walworth Murder: Five Jailed for Life Over the Killing of Giovanny Rendon Bedoya

Quick answer: Five men aged 19 to 22 were convicted of murdering Giovanny Rendon Bedoya, 21, who was fatally stabbed in Walworth, south London, in April 2025. After an 11-week trial at the Old Bailey they were found guilty on 14 April 2026 and, on 20 May 2026, sentenced to life imprisonment with minimum terms totalling around 107 years between them (individual minimums of 21 or 22 years).

This page sets out the established facts of the case, who was sentenced and to what, and explains how a life sentence with a minimum term actually works — a point that is very widely misunderstood.

What happened to Giovanny Rendon Bedoya?

Giovanny Rendon Bedoya, 21, was fatally stabbed in April 2025 after tensions escalated between two groups. He was found with stab wounds behind a block of flats on Hillingdon Street, between Walworth and Kennington, on 14 April 2025, having been chased through an alleyway before being cornered and attacked. Metropolitan Police detectives ran an extensive investigation, reviewing more than 1,500 hours of CCTV footage to link the five men to the killing.

Who was sentenced?

All five were sentenced at the Old Bailey on 20 May 2026, having previously been convicted of murder.

Defendant	Sentence
Joseph Jimenez, 22	Life, minimum 22 years
Christian Batista Gonzalez, 22	Life, minimum 22 years
Angel Gonzalez Angulo, 19	Life, minimum 21 years
Bryan Villada Hernandez, 20	Life, minimum 21 years
Zozoro Mohamed Olivier Boizo, 21	Life, minimum 21 years

How does a life sentence with a minimum term work?

Murder carries a mandatory life sentence. The judge sets a minimum term (sometimes called the tariff) — the least time the offender must spend in prison before they can even be considered for release. It is not a release date. Once the minimum term has been served, the prisoner can apply to the Parole Board, which will only direct release if it is satisfied the person no longer poses a risk to the public.

If released, a life-sentenced prisoner remains on licence for the rest of their life and can be recalled to prison at any time. Murder is excluded from the Sentencing Act 2026 earned-progression model, which applies only to standard determinate sentences — it does not affect life sentences at all.

Common misunderstandings

“They’ll be out in 21 years automatically.” No. The minimum term is the earliest point they can be considered for release by the Parole Board — not a guaranteed release date.
“107 years means one of them serves a century.” No. That figure is the sum of all five minimum terms. Each man serves his own life sentence.
“A life sentence ends at release.” No. Anyone released from a life sentence stays on licence for life and can be recalled at any time.

Frequently asked questions

Where were they tried?

At the Central Criminal Court (the Old Bailey), following an 11-week trial. They were convicted on 14 April 2026 and sentenced on 20 May 2026.

What is the difference between the sentence and the minimum term?

The sentence is life imprisonment for all five. The minimum term (21 or 22 years each) is the least time each must serve before being eligible to apply for parole.

Could the sentences be appealed?

Convicted defendants can seek leave to appeal against conviction or sentence, generally within 28 days. Separately, the Attorney General can refer sentences thought to be unduly lenient. As of this review, no appeal outcome had been reported.

Where can the victim’s family get support?

Families bereaved by homicide can get help from organisations such as Victim Support and specialist homicide services. Support is free and confidential.

Why were five people convicted of one killing?

Under the law of joint enterprise, more than one person can be convicted of murder where they shared the intention to kill or cause really serious harm and took part in the attack — even if not everyone struck the fatal blow. In this case the prosecution used extensive CCTV evidence to show that the five men acted together in chasing and cornering the victim. Each was found to share responsibility for the killing, which is why all five received life sentences rather than lesser charges. The minimum terms differ slightly between defendants to reflect their individual roles and ages.

What is the difference between murder and manslaughter here?

Murder requires an intention to kill or to cause really serious harm. Manslaughter covers unlawful killings without that intention. The jury’s murder verdicts mean it was satisfied the men intended at least really serious harm, which is why the mandatory life sentence applied.