Three men were jailed for life for the murder of Tyler Donnelly, a teenager killed in a park ambush in Feltham, west London. Keith Preddie, Daniel Matos and Joshua Cowley were convicted following a retrial in 2026 and sentenced to life imprisonment with minimum terms ranging from 25 to 27.5 years.

Who Was Tyler Donnelly?

Tyler Donnelly was a young man described by those who knew him as football-mad and deeply loved by his family and friends. He was killed on 24 January 2024 at Hanworth Park in Feltham, west London, in what prosecutors described as a targeted attack. He was in his late teens at the time of his death, and his murder prompted a major Metropolitan Police investigation that would ultimately lead to the conviction of three men more than two years later.

Investigators believed Tyler had gone to Hanworth Park that evening for drug-related reasons, though the circumstances of why he attended the location did not diminish the devastating nature of what was done to him or the significance of the sentences passed on those responsible.

What Happened in Hanworth Park?

In the early hours of 24 January 2024, Tyler Donnelly was attacked in Hanworth Park, a public open space in the London Borough of Hounslow. The attack was premeditated and targeted. Tyler sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene.

Emergency services attended but were unable to save him. The Metropolitan Police launched a homicide investigation immediately and began gathering evidence from the surrounding area, including extensive CCTV footage from cameras in and around the park and the wider Feltham and Hounslow area. Mobile phone data and GPS tracking evidence would later prove critical in establishing the presence of the three men convicted of the murder.

Who Were the Three Men Convicted?

Three men were convicted of Tyler Donnelly’s murder:

Keith Preddie, 34, was from Feltham in west London. He received the longest minimum term of the three, reflecting the court’s assessment of his role in the murder.

Daniel Matos, 23, was from Hounslow. He was one of the younger defendants and was found guilty of playing a direct role in the fatal attack on Tyler.

Joshua Cowley, 29, was also from Hounslow. He was convicted alongside Preddie and Matos and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term.

All three denied murder and the case proceeded through a full trial before a retrial was required. The Metropolitan Police investigation placed all three men at the scene using a combination of GPS data, mobile phone evidence and extensive CCTV coverage.

The Investigation and Retrial

The Metropolitan Police investigation into Tyler Donnelly’s murder was described by officers involved as meticulous. Detectives gathered GPS location data, mobile phone records and CCTV images that collectively placed all three defendants at Hanworth Park at the time of the murder.

An initial trial was held but did not result in conviction. A retrial began on 19 January 2026 at the Old Bailey and concluded on 27 February 2026, when the jury found all three men guilty of murder. The strength of the forensic and electronic evidence proved decisive in the retrial, with prosecutors demonstrating that each of the three men had been present at the park and had participated in the attack on Tyler.

The case highlighted the Metropolitan Police’s increasing use of digital forensic techniques — including GPS tag data and mobile phone cell site analysis — to build murder cases. If you have a family member remanded or convicted following a serious crime investigation and need support, find out how to book a prison visit in England and Wales.

The Life Sentences

Keith Preddie, Daniel Matos and Joshua Cowley were sentenced to life imprisonment on 7 May 2026. The minimum terms set by the judge were as follows:

Keith Preddie received a minimum term of 27 years before he can be considered for release. Daniel Matos received the longest minimum term of 27 years and 6 months. Joshua Cowley received a minimum term of 25 years.

None of the three men will be released automatically — after their minimum terms expire, their cases will be reviewed by the Parole Board, which will determine whether it is safe to release them into the community. If they are considered a risk to the public at that point, they will remain in prison until the Parole Board is satisfied that release is appropriate.

The sentences were welcomed by Tyler’s family and the wider community, bringing a conclusion to a case that had lasted over two years. The Metropolitan Police stated that the convictions reflected the thoroughness of the investigation and the strength of the digital evidence gathered.

For those with loved ones serving long sentences, information about sending money to a prisoner in the UK is available on this site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who killed Tyler Donnelly?

Tyler Donnelly was killed by Keith Preddie, Daniel Matos and Joshua Cowley. All three men were convicted of murder following a retrial at the Old Bailey in February 2026 and were sentenced to life imprisonment on 7 May 2026.

Where was Tyler Donnelly murdered?

Tyler Donnelly was murdered at Hanworth Park in Feltham, west London, on 24 January 2024. The park is located in the London Borough of Hounslow. The attack was described as targeted and premeditated.

How long are the sentences for Tyler Donnelly killers?

Keith Preddie received a minimum term of 27 years. Daniel Matos received a minimum term of 27 years and 6 months. Joshua Cowley received a minimum term of 25 years. All three were sentenced to life imprisonment and will not be released automatically.

Why was a retrial needed in the Tyler Donnelly murder case?

An initial trial did not produce convictions against all three defendants, making a retrial necessary. The retrial began on 19 January 2026 and concluded on 27 February 2026 with all three men found guilty of murder. GPS, mobile phone and CCTV evidence were central to the prosecution case.

Can the Tyler Donnelly killers ever be released from prison?

The three men convicted of Tyler Donnelly’s murder were sentenced to life imprisonment. They each have a minimum term they must serve before they can be considered for release. After those minimum terms expire, the Parole Board will review their cases and decide whether release is appropriate. They cannot be released until the Parole Board is satisfied it is safe to do so.