A 31-year-old man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after being found guilty of murdering Mussie Imnetu, a 41-year-old chef visiting the UK from Dubai. The conviction was secured at the Old Bailey following compelling CCTV evidence and DNA analysis.
The Crime
Mussie Imnetu was attacked on Monday, 26 August 2024, in the Queensway area of W2 at approximately 23:22hrs. He was found unconscious with a severe head injury and was given emergency first aid by officers on the scene before being rushed to hospital. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries on 30 August 2024.
Evidence and Arrest
Detectives pieced together crucial evidence that linked the suspect, Omar Wilson (born 19 March 1993) of Napier Road, Leytonstone, to the crime. Surveillance footage captured Wilson heading to a nightclub on Gaunt Street, SE1, shortly after the attack—a journey that began roughly an hour-and-a-half after he had assaulted Imnetu.
In addition to the CCTV evidence, police recovered a pair of sunglasses dropped at the scene, from which Wilson’s DNA was obtained. Further incriminating evidence was found when Wilson’s house and car keys were discovered at the scene, and analysis of his phone usage placed him in the area at the time of the murder.
Court Proceedings
At an earlier hearing on Thursday, 20 February 2025, Wilson pleaded not guilty, claiming the attack was in self-defence. However, after a three-week trial, a majority of the jury found him guilty of murder. During the trial, the prosecution presented a series of text messages sent by Wilson in the aftermath of the attack, including statements where he admitted, “There’s a monster in me … and I think I’ve messed up now … I’m going jail in the morning,” and, “I did the hands ting… finished one guy man.” These messages were instrumental in demonstrating his remorse and acceptance of responsibility.
Victim’s Legacy
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, who led the investigation, expressed his condolences:
“Our thoughts remain with Mussie’s family and friends in Dubai, Sweden, and London. Mussie was a loving husband, father, son, and a respected chef. He was in London to help train his colleagues and had been enjoying the post-Notting Hill Carnival atmosphere when he was brutally assaulted.
Aftermath
Wilson’s conviction marks a significant victory for law enforcement in holding individuals accountable for violent crimes. His rapid flight from the scene and subsequent actions, including avoiding police officers and attempting to blend into nightlife, underscore the premeditated nature of the crime.
Omar Wilson was arrested on Wednesday, 28 August 2024 and charged the following day. His sentencing on 28 February 2025 reflects the severity of his actions and the extensive evidence against him.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violent crime and the crucial role of modern forensic and surveillance techniques in securing convictions.
