A London jeweler’s owner refutes claims of blaming a salesman for his suicide
London: A tragic incident unfolded at a jewelry store. Store manager Oliver White was restrained during a robbery. He was later found dead in a wooded area.
The robbery happened at 247 Kettles in Richmond. Thieves stole over 70 watches worth between £3,000 and £70,000. Prosecutors say Oliver took his life the next day due to the robbery’s impact.
Two men, Junior Kunu and Mannix Pedro, face charges related to the robbery. Kunu allegedly participated in the theft, while Pedro planned it. Another suspect, Kyle Bowrage, has fled the country.
CCTV footage showed Bowrage putting Oliver in a headlock during the robbery. The store had security measures, but the watches were uninsured. This was not the first robbery for the store, which had a previous incident in 2021.
Store co-owner Conor Thornton knew Oliver for over ten years. He described Oliver as a good friend. Thornton and another co-owner were in New York during the robbery but returned immediately after.
Upon their return, they met with Oliver. Thornton noted Oliver seemed in shock but otherwise okay. However, defense attorney Tyrone Smith suggested the meetings went poorly, leading to criticism of Oliver.
Thornton denied being critical or suggesting Oliver was involved in the robbery. The trial continues as Kunu and Pedro deny conspiracy charges.
