LEWIS DAYNES IN GRAYS: THE HORRIFIC ONLINE PREDATOR WHO MURDERED BRECK BEDNAR AND HIS PAST ARRESTS
| Red Rose Database
Grays Rapist
In January 2015, a tragic and disturbing case unfolded involving Lewis Daynes, a teenage sexual sadist from Grays, Essex, whose violent actions culminated in the brutal murder of 14-year-old Breck Bednar. The case has raised serious questions about police handling of prior allegations and the protection of children from online predators.
It was revealed that years before the murder, Daynes had been subject to a police investigation for a rape allegation. In 2011, when he was just 15 years old, Daynes was accused of sexually assaulting another boy. Despite the seriousness of the accusation, Essex police decided not to proceed with the case, a decision that has since come under scrutiny. The details of this earlier investigation only surfaced publicly after the tragic killing of Breck Bednar, prompting investigations into whether the police response was adequate and whether proper procedures were followed.
Two months prior to the murder, Lorin LaFave, Breck’s mother, had contacted the police to express her concerns about Lewis Daynes’s increasingly sinister and troubling behavior. She reported her suspicions to authorities, hoping to prevent any harm to her son. Despite her efforts, it appears that the police did not take sufficient action at the time. The police forces involved, Essex and Surrey, are now under investigation by the police watchdog to determine if their responses were appropriate and in line with national child protection guidelines.
On the day of the murder, Daynes lured Breck to his flat in Grays after they had met online through a gaming community. The two had initially connected through popular online multiplayer games such as Call of Duty and Battlefield, where Daynes had cultivated a relationship with Breck, who was the son of a wealthy oil trader. Daynes, described as a computer genius, had sought to manipulate Breck by sending him emails designed to isolate him from his family and friends. Evidence presented in court indicated that Daynes had bought condoms and a tape to tie up his victim a month before the killing, revealing premeditation and a disturbing level of planning.
During the trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, it was disclosed that there was evidence of sexual activity between Daynes and Breck prior to the murder. The prosecution argued that the killing was driven by sadistic and sexual motives. Following the attack, Daynes inflicted a fatal slash to Breck’s throat and then disseminated images of the victim’s body to at least two individuals. He also contacted members of his online community to inform them that Breck was dead. The court heard that Daynes had behaved in a manner consistent with sexual gratification, including sending a video of a man being beheaded to another boy.
In a tragic turn, Breck’s triplet siblings, aged just 12 at the time, learned of his death when they received text messages containing photographs of his body. The court was told that Daynes initially claimed that Breck had come at him with a knife during an altercation, and in an attempt to destroy evidence, he submerged his computer in water. These actions underscored the calculated and malicious nature of his crime.
Daynes was ultimately convicted of murder in February of the previous year and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years. The judge, Mrs. Justice Cox, described the murder as being motivated by sadistic or sexual reasons, emphasizing the heinous nature of the crime. Daynes, who appeared in court wearing a grey suit and blue tie, pleaded guilty to the murder of Breck Bednar, a decision that shocked many in attendance.
Following the sentencing, Lorin LaFave expressed her heartbreak and frustration. She stood outside the court and stated, “I believed that the police would help me. I had given them enough information to check their systems to see that in fact Daynes was known to the police. We all make mistakes but incompetence in child protection is unacceptable.” She called on the government to ensure proper funding for police investigations involving children and to improve information sharing between agencies to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The case has also highlighted failures within the police system. The police watchdog revealed that a staff member who took LaFave’s initial call resigned in August 2014, and another officer is under misconduct investigation. The watchdog is examining whether Surrey police adequately trained its officers in child protection procedures and whether Essex police responded appropriately to the rape allegations and the concerns raised by LaFave.
In a broader context, the case of Breck Bednar has become a stark warning about the dangers of online grooming and the importance of vigilance. Breck’s mother, Lorin LaFave, has been outspoken about the need for greater awareness and protective measures. She established the Breck Bednar Memorial Foundation to raise funds and awareness aimed at safeguarding children from online predators. Her emotional plea underscores the ongoing threat posed by individuals like Lewis Daynes, who exploit digital platforms to prey on vulnerable youth.
As the investigation continues into the police response and the circumstances surrounding the case, the tragic story of Breck Bednar remains a sobering reminder of the critical need for effective child protection and the dangers lurking in the digital age.
It was revealed that years before the murder, Daynes had been subject to a police investigation for a rape allegation. In 2011, when he was just 15 years old, Daynes was accused of sexually assaulting another boy. Despite the seriousness of the accusation, Essex police decided not to proceed with the case, a decision that has since come under scrutiny. The details of this earlier investigation only surfaced publicly after the tragic killing of Breck Bednar, prompting investigations into whether the police response was adequate and whether proper procedures were followed.
Two months prior to the murder, Lorin LaFave, Breck’s mother, had contacted the police to express her concerns about Lewis Daynes’s increasingly sinister and troubling behavior. She reported her suspicions to authorities, hoping to prevent any harm to her son. Despite her efforts, it appears that the police did not take sufficient action at the time. The police forces involved, Essex and Surrey, are now under investigation by the police watchdog to determine if their responses were appropriate and in line with national child protection guidelines.
On the day of the murder, Daynes lured Breck to his flat in Grays after they had met online through a gaming community. The two had initially connected through popular online multiplayer games such as Call of Duty and Battlefield, where Daynes had cultivated a relationship with Breck, who was the son of a wealthy oil trader. Daynes, described as a computer genius, had sought to manipulate Breck by sending him emails designed to isolate him from his family and friends. Evidence presented in court indicated that Daynes had bought condoms and a tape to tie up his victim a month before the killing, revealing premeditation and a disturbing level of planning.
During the trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, it was disclosed that there was evidence of sexual activity between Daynes and Breck prior to the murder. The prosecution argued that the killing was driven by sadistic and sexual motives. Following the attack, Daynes inflicted a fatal slash to Breck’s throat and then disseminated images of the victim’s body to at least two individuals. He also contacted members of his online community to inform them that Breck was dead. The court heard that Daynes had behaved in a manner consistent with sexual gratification, including sending a video of a man being beheaded to another boy.
In a tragic turn, Breck’s triplet siblings, aged just 12 at the time, learned of his death when they received text messages containing photographs of his body. The court was told that Daynes initially claimed that Breck had come at him with a knife during an altercation, and in an attempt to destroy evidence, he submerged his computer in water. These actions underscored the calculated and malicious nature of his crime.
Daynes was ultimately convicted of murder in February of the previous year and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years. The judge, Mrs. Justice Cox, described the murder as being motivated by sadistic or sexual reasons, emphasizing the heinous nature of the crime. Daynes, who appeared in court wearing a grey suit and blue tie, pleaded guilty to the murder of Breck Bednar, a decision that shocked many in attendance.
Following the sentencing, Lorin LaFave expressed her heartbreak and frustration. She stood outside the court and stated, “I believed that the police would help me. I had given them enough information to check their systems to see that in fact Daynes was known to the police. We all make mistakes but incompetence in child protection is unacceptable.” She called on the government to ensure proper funding for police investigations involving children and to improve information sharing between agencies to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The case has also highlighted failures within the police system. The police watchdog revealed that a staff member who took LaFave’s initial call resigned in August 2014, and another officer is under misconduct investigation. The watchdog is examining whether Surrey police adequately trained its officers in child protection procedures and whether Essex police responded appropriately to the rape allegations and the concerns raised by LaFave.
In a broader context, the case of Breck Bednar has become a stark warning about the dangers of online grooming and the importance of vigilance. Breck’s mother, Lorin LaFave, has been outspoken about the need for greater awareness and protective measures. She established the Breck Bednar Memorial Foundation to raise funds and awareness aimed at safeguarding children from online predators. Her emotional plea underscores the ongoing threat posed by individuals like Lewis Daynes, who exploit digital platforms to prey on vulnerable youth.
As the investigation continues into the police response and the circumstances surrounding the case, the tragic story of Breck Bednar remains a sobering reminder of the critical need for effective child protection and the dangers lurking in the digital age.