Police have charged a homeless labourer with the murder of Nilanthan Murddi.

Steven Braithwaite, 30, was arrested in the early hours Tuesday morning after a raid on an address in Sydenham.

Sutton Magistrates
 
The 17-year-old died after his throat was slashed in Summer Road, Croydon, at 1am Saturday.

Cops are still investigating possible racial motive after pals claimed the suspect yelled "you fucking Paki" at the young Tamil boy.

Braithwaite is due to appear before Sutton Magistrates Court today.

Photo: Noel Foster