Pic: East London Lines

A New Cross man has been found guilty of murdering 14 year old schoolboy.

Roree Cox, 18 from SE14, stabbed Kevin Ssali last year, after a disagreement broke out on a bus travelling through Lee Green.

The incident occurred when Kevin and some of his friends caught the number 202-bus home on 15 September 2012.

Also on the bus that night was 15-year old Chay Cox, the brother of the defendant who had a history of trouble with Ssali.

Roree Cox, who was travelling on the 261 behind was notified of Ssali’s presence by one of his brother’s friends and when the two busses stopped, Cox ran onto the 202 and stabbed Ssali.

Roree Cox left the bus immediately and ran away.

After Emergency Services and the London Air Ambulance were called, Ssali was taken to hospital, were he died in the early hours of September 16 2012.

Roree Cox was arrested on the night of the September 15 at his home in New Cross, on suspicion of attempted murder. He was charged with Kevin’s manslaughter.

He will be sentenced on 28 February 2014 at the Old Bailey.

Detective Inspector John Marriott, who led the investigations, said: “ I would like to use today’s verdict as an opportunity to thank all those people who have been brave enough to talk to us and help piece our investigation together. I know that Kevin’s family appreciate the part they have played in seeing justice done for him.

“The events that led to Kevin’s death started as an exchange between two boys that wasn’t violent, or threatening to other people on the bus. Roree Cox’s actions show a young man who was carrying a knife, and prepared to use it. He stabbed Kevin without even considering if his brother was in danger or if Kevin, who was unarmed could fight back.”