Teen Killer Convicted for Fatal Stabbing at Knife Awareness Class
An 18-year-old has been found guilty of murdering another teen at a knife awareness course in Hillingdon. Vladimir Nachev, from Hayes, was convicted after a three-week trial at Isleworth Crown Court.
Brutal Attack at Knife Crime Course
On 7 November last year, police were called to the youth offending service inside Hillingdon Civic Centre following a stabbing. Victim Hakim Sillah, also 18, was stabbed twice in the chest. Despite emergency treatment at the scene, he tragically died in hospital later that day.
Nachev fled immediately, hiding a 25cm ‘Rambo’ style knife in nearby woodland before being arrested and taken into custody.
Chilling History of Threats and Violence
During the trial, it emerged Nachev had a long history of violence against Hakim. He had previously stabbed Hakim in the arm during an attack two weeks earlier that required surgery. Phone forensics revealed Nachev sent threatening messages and even a video brandishing a knife at Hakim.
Between October and early November 2019, Nachev obsessively searched the internet for fatal stabbings, teen killers, knives, and prison info. His messages after the fatal stabbing included chilling lines like, “I’m going jail” and “I cheffed (stabbed) up hakz again inside yot.”
Police and Family Speak Out on Knife Crime Tragedy
Detective Chief Inspector Vicky Tunstall said: “Despite this being a ‘Knife Crime Awareness’ course, both Nachev and Hakim turned up with concealed weapons. Nachev’s search history shows he was a dangerous individual intent on violence. Hakim’s death is another tragic loss of a young life over a trivial matter. Carrying knives does not keep you safe.”
Hakim’s mother, Saranba Sillah, said: “Hakim was stolen from us in an unprovoked, brutal, malicious and cowardly attack. This senseless act highlights the knife crime epidemic devastating our society. Hakim was my son, my friend, and my confidant. I will forever live his legacy.”
Nachev will be sentenced on 7 September. The case shines a harsh light on the ongoing battle to stop knife crime among London’s youth before more lives are lost.
