Jealousy Murderer’s Sentence Slashed After Oxford Circus Bus Killing
Bus Bloodbath at Oxford Circus
Oscar Castano-Colque, 22, once of East Dulwich, was locked up for life after the brutal murder of his ex’s new partner, Rafioullah Malik, on a bustling Route 94 bus at Oxford Circus. Initially handed a life sentence with a minimum of 25 years and six months, Castano-Colque’s term has now been cut by a year and a half. The Court of Appeal slammed the original term as “manifestly excessive,” trimming it down to 24 years.
Jealous Rage Sparks Fatal Attack
The violence exploded on February 28, 2023. Before the tragedy, Castano-Colque bombarded his ex-girlfriend with desperate messages, declaring love and refusing to accept the breakup. The heat turned up when she sent him photos dining with Rafioullah that very night.
When the couple boarded the bus, Castano-Colque chased after it, hopped on, then savagely stabbed Rafioullah repeatedly in the head. Despite urgent hospital care, the victim tragically died nearly a month later on March 23.
Appeal Sparks Public Outcry
At Croydon Crown Court, Castano-Colque admitted murder and received his life sentence. But his legal team argued the punishment was too harsh and succeeded in shaving off 18 months.
The cut sentence has split opinion. One furious social media user slammed, “A man loses his life, and the killer gets his sentence cut. How is that justice?” Another fumed, “What message does this send to victims’ families? This decision is disgraceful.”
Family Heartache & Calls for Safety
Rafioullah’s family branded the reduction a “heartbreaking blow.” A relative said, “Nothing can bring him back, but cutting the killer’s prison time feels like salt in the wound.”
Friends remember Rafioullah as a kind soul cherished by his community. Last year, a candlelight vigil near Oxford Circus drew dozens paying tribute.
Transport for London has vowed to beef up security, with a spokesperson stating, “This tragic event underscores the importance of passenger safety. We work closely with police to improve security on public transport.”
Still Locked Up, But Justice Debated
Despite the reduced sentence, Castano-Colque faces at least 24 years behind bars before parole. The Metropolitan Police remain committed to public safety and supporting Rafioullah’s family through this painful ordeal.
This horrific murder highlights the deadly fallout of jealous rage and the urgent need for better support for those entangled in violent relationship breakdowns.
