Michael Gyedu Charged Over Rahiem Jackson Murder New Wortley 2026

Key Points

• Charging Details: Michael Gyedu, aged 26, of Rathmell Road, has been formally charged with the murder of 38-year-old Rahiem Jackson.
• Ethnic Categorisation: Gyedu, whose self-defined ethnicity is recorded on court records as ‘Any Other Black’, is scheduled to appear at Leeds Magistrates’ Court today (November 2).
• Custodial Arrests: A second 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Sunday, November 1, following an earlier Metropolitan Police arrest in London, and remains in custody.
• The Incident: Rahiem Jackson, affectionately known as ‘Reema’, suffered fatal injuries after being attacked by four individuals armed with weapons outside a residential address on Hedley Chase, New Wortley, at approximately 10:23 pm on Saturday, October 24.
• Family Tribute: Mr Jackson’s family released an emotional statement describing him as a “beautiful soul” whose smile “lit up the room”, whilst pleading for witnesses to assist the police.
• Police Appeal: West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, led by Detective Chief Inspector Dan Bates, continue to urge anyone with CCTV, dashcam footage, or information to contact them using reference 13260606745.

LEEDS (The Leeds Times) November 2, 2026 — A 26-year-old man has been formally charged with murder following a fatal assault in the New Wortley district of Leeds, as police continue their investigation into the killing of 38-year-old Rahiem Jackson.According to official police reports, Michael Gyedu, aged 26, residing at Rathmell Road, has been charged with murder in connection with the fatal attack on Hedley Chase. Official court listings note that Gyedu, whose self-defined ethnicity is recorded as ‘Any Other Black’, is scheduled to make his initial appearance at Leeds Magistrates’ Court today, November 2.

The charging decision follows the arrest of a second 26-year-old man on suspicion of murder on Sunday, November 1. Detectives from West Yorkshire Police confirmed that the second suspect currently remains in custody as enquiries progress.

What details have emerged regarding the fatal incident in New Wortley?

As reported by police reporting staff across West Yorkshire media titles, emergency services were dispatched to Hedley Chase in New Wortley at approximately 10:23 pm on Saturday, October 24. Law enforcement officers attended following emergency reports indicating that a man was being assaulted outside a property by individuals armed with weapons.

Upon arrival, first responders found Mr Jackson with severe injuries. Despite immediate medical intervention and sustained treatment administered by attending paramedics, he was pronounced dead a short time later.

Investigating officers believe four suspects were involved in the sustained attack on Mr Jackson. The Homicide and Major Enquiry Team (HMET) immediately launched a full-scale murder investigation to trace the movements of those responsible.

What did the victim’s family say in their official tribute?

Following the incident, the family of Rahiem Jackson — who was affectionately known to friends and relatives as ‘Reema’ — issued a moving tribute through West Yorkshire Police to honour his memory.

In their statement, Mr Jackson’s family expressed their profound grief, stating:

“Rahiem was loved and adored by his sisters and family. He had a beautiful heart and beautiful soul; his smile was so infectious, and he lit up the room with his presence. Rahiem would have gone above and beyond for anybody he cared for.

“He wasn’t just a brother he was a son, an uncle, a father, a partner, a nephew, a cousin, a grandson, brother in law and friend and he did not deserve to die the way he did.

“We are heartbroken and in so much pain and have been left inconsolable as a family. If anyone has any information to help the police find the persons who murdered Rahiem, please can you come forward.”

How have West Yorkshire Police responded to developments in the investigation?

As reported by regional crime correspondents, Detective Chief Inspector Dan Bates, of West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, emphasized the importance of recent custodial arrests in moving the case forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Dan Bates stated:

“This arrest is a significant development in the murder investigation of Rahiem Jackson. Officers are continuing to support the family.

“Extensive enquiries remain ongoing and we continue to appeal for information around the attack. We continue to ask anyone who may have seen people arrive or leave the scene on Hedley Chase on Saturday night to come forward.”

West Yorkshire Police have urged members of the public who were in the vicinity of Hedley Chase between 10:00 pm and 11:00 pm on Saturday, October 24, to review any available CCTV, doorbell camera, or dashcam footage.

Members of the public can submit information directly through the force’s 101 phone number or via live chat tools on the official website, quoting crime reference number 13260606745. Reports can also be made anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Explore More Leeds Crime News

Harry Gyamsie-Perah Charged Over Fatal Police Pursuit Crash Harehills Leeds 2026

Police Hunt Wanted Sex Offender Christopher Stalker in Leeds 2026

Background of the Development

The fatal assault on Hedley Chase on October 24 triggered a wide-ranging, multi-agency investigation led by West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team. Initial police responses centered on securing the crime scene in New Wortley, gathering forensic evidence, and door-to-door enquiries to identify the four armed individuals reported to have carried out the attack.

The investigation quickly extended beyond West Yorkshire boundaries. On the night of Thursday, October 29, into Friday, October 30, officers from London’s Metropolitan Police executed a targeted operation in the capital, arresting a 26-year-old suspect on suspicion of murder on behalf of West Yorkshire detectives. Following that arrest, senior investigators publicly described the cross-border operation as a critical milestone in establishing the timeline of events.

The pace of the investigation intensified over the weekend of October 31 and November 1, culminating in the arrest of a second 26-year-old suspect on Sunday, November 1, and the formal filing of murder charges against Michael Gyedu.

The filing of formal criminal charges represents the transition of this case from an active, open-ended police search to formal criminal proceedings before the courts.

What Impact Will This Development Have on the Local Community and Judicial Process?

The charge of Michael Gyedu and the ongoing detention of a second suspect mark a transition into the sub-judice phase of the UK criminal justice system.

For court officials, prosecutors, and legal representatives, Gyedu’s initial appearance at Leeds Magistrates’ Court initiates the formal legal trial process. Under standard UK indictable offence procedure, murder charges cannot be tried at the Magistrates’ Court level; consequently, the primary function of today’s hearing will be to formally remand the defendant into custody and transfer the proceedings to the Crown Court for plea and trial management hearings.

The progress of these court appearances will determine the timeline for pre-trial applications, disclosure of evidence, and the setting of a trial date.

For residents of New Wortley and the wider Leeds community, the visible escalation from police appeals to formal murder charges provides a measure of clarity regarding law enforcement action following a violent incident in a residential street.

However, as West Yorkshire Police continue to appeal for public assistance regarding the remaining suspects and weapon details, local residents can expect a continued police presence and heightened security patrols around Hedley Chase. Community liaison officers are likely to maintain contact with neighbourhood groups to address public safety concerns while the legal process moves forward.