A 29-year-old man is accused of killing a 61-year-old Elizabeth Line worker with a single punch after missing his train at Ilford Station. Ayodele Jamgbadi, of Kingston Road, Ilford, is facing a murder charge in connection with the death of Jorge Ortega.
The incident occurred on December 4, 2024, around 8:45 p.m. when Jamgbadi allegedly kicked an advertisement frame after missing his train to Stratford. According to the prosecution at Inner London Crown Court, Mr. Ortega and two other Transport for London colleagues intervened to calm Jamgbadi.
As Mr. Ortega stepped back, Jamgbadi allegedly punched him once in the face, causing him to fall and strike his head, rendering him unconscious. Mr. Ortega was taken to the hospital but died from his injuries two days later. Jamgbadi was initially charged with causing grievous bodily harm, but the charge was upgraded to murder following Mr. Ortega's death.
Judge Benedict Kelleher informed the jury that Jamgbadi is unfit to enter a plea due to mental health reasons and is currently in the hospital. The jury's task is to determine whether Jamgbadi committed the act.
During his arrest, Jamgbadi reportedly told British Transport Police officers, "I punched him in the face, I literally punched him in the face. What are you going to do about it, are you going to nick me?"
Mick Lynch, general secretary of the RMT union, to which Mr. Ortega belonged, expressed condolences to the family. Mr. Ortega, a customer experience assistant for MTREL, was described by his son as "the most loving person, the kindest soul." He was remembered as an amazing family man with a love for cooking, drawing, and art. The trial is ongoing.