The quiet of a Tottenham car park shattered on August 24th when 39-year-old Sheryl Wilkins was found unresponsive. Paramedics rushed to the scene, but their efforts were in vain – she was pronounced dead, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and a community gripped by sorrow.
Months later, a chilling connection emerged. Simon Levy, already facing charges in connection with Sheryl’s death, now stands accused of a second murder. This time, the victim is Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo, a 53-year-old woman whose life was tragically cut short on the Aylesbury Estate in Peckham on March 17th.
Carmenza’s story is one of hope and hardship. She arrived in London nearly three decades ago from Colombia, seeking a brighter future for herself and her family. For years, she tirelessly worked as a cleaner, pouring her energy into providing for her two children.
The discovery of her body sparked a desperate search for answers from her devastated family. Her son, Bryan, spoke of a loving, deeply religious woman who embraced life with unwavering enthusiasm. He recalled a final, cherished embrace and a blessing before she went to meet friends – a Friday evening that ended in unimaginable loss.
“We need to know how this happened,” Bryan pleaded, his voice heavy with grief. “My mother hugged me and blessed me as she always did. That’s the last time I saw her. She went out on a Friday and never came back.” The pain of her absence is compounded by the knowledge that she will never meet her new grandson, a source of immense joy she was eagerly anticipating.
The family’s anguish is mirrored by their loyal dog, who continues to wait at the door, a heartbreaking symbol of Carmenza’s enduring presence. The investigation initially stalled, a post-mortem proving inconclusive, but relentless police work has now led to these devastating charges.
Levy, 40, is scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court, facing the weight of two murder accusations. He is also facing separate charges, including grievous bodily harm, non-fatal strangulation, and rape, relating to an incident involving another woman in Haringey.
Authorities are urging anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward. They believe crucial details may still be unreported, and are committed to ensuring justice for both Sheryl and Carmenza. The Metropolitan Police’s public protection team is working to strengthen support for victim-survivors and encourage reporting of potential incidents.
The upcoming hearings at Westminster Magistrates’ Court and the Old Bailey will be pivotal moments in this unfolding tragedy, as the pursuit of truth and accountability continues for the families left shattered by these senseless acts.
