Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo and Sheryl Wilkins were both murdered in 2025. Their deaths could have been prevented and raise serious questions about how the Criminal Justice System operates to protect women from sexual offenders.
As details about the case of murderer and rapist Simon Levy come to light, we are shocked by the number of opportunities that were missed to prevent him from committing further sexual offences and two murders. Repeated failings by the Metropolitan Police and other agencies enabled Levy to continue and escalate his offending, ultimately resulting in two lives being taken.
Simon Levy carried out his catalogue of offenses in London, though it’s impacts can be felt across the country. Repeated failings within the Metropolitan Police cause a lack of confidence across the UK and can solidify attitudes towards policing and the protection of women from offenders.
Failings included releasing Levy under investigation for the murder of Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo, leading to him going on to kill Sheryl Wilkins in the same location where he had carried out a serious sexual offence that had been reported to police before the murders took place. A number of women also reported Levy to the police for sexual offences, years before the murders took place.
The criminal Justice system needs to do more to protect survivors of sexual harassment and protect women from offenders. The Met, British Transport Police, CPS and multiple other agencies missed opportunities to share information, take action, and prevent harm to women.
We understand that, for many people who have been impacted by sexual violence in any form, this news could reinforce fears of not being believed, having their experiences minimised, or could put them off reporting altogether.
At IDAS, we want to reassure anyone who may have been impacted by this case that there are many organisations you can turn to for support. IDAS, and other specialist support services, will believe you and advocate for you in whatever way feels right and comfortable for you. This could include supporting you through criminal justice proceedings, if you wish to take that route.
These failings in systems must be met with real change. Too many people have felt disregarded and misunderstood when they come forward to discuss abuse that they have been subjected to. Everyone deserves to feel safe in public, with the confidence that people who pose risk to the wider public are being monitored and prevented from causing harm to others.
Our thoughts are with the victims, Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo, Sheryl Wilkins, their loved ones, and the many other brave women who came forward after being subjected to abuse and harassment by Levy.
