Tottenham Woman Jailed for Poisoning and Theft in ‘Devil’s Breath’ Murder Plot
Diana Cristea, 19, from Tottenham, has been handed a minimum 16-year prison sentence for murder, poisoning, theft, and fraud. She was previously found guilty of administering poison to endanger life, alongside multiple counts of theft and fraud, at an earlier hearing. Cristea also admitted to handling stolen goods and additional fraud charges.
Boyfriend Joel Osei Sentenced to Life for Poisoning and Murder
Her boyfriend and co-conspirator, Joel Osei, 26, from Seven Sisters, was sentenced in January at the Old Bailey to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 32 years. Osei was convicted of poisoning and killing 43-year-old dancer Adrian Murphy, as well as poisoning a separate 40-year-old man. He received an additional five-year sentence for the second poisoning, to run concurrently.
‘Devil’s Breath’ Poisoning Terror in London
The chilling crimes date back to May and June 2019. Osei lured victims through a social media app, then drugged them with scopolamine—known as the terrifying “Devil’s Breath”—causing unconsciousness. After stealing their valuables, Osei passed the goods to Cristea, who sold them online.
A post-mortem on Adrian Murphy found no defensive wounds or signs of struggle, but toxicology revealed lethal scopolamine levels, directly causing his death. Investigators also found scopolamine in an emptied drink can at the scene.
Courtroom Drama Unfolds as Osei Passes Notes to Cristea
During cross-examination, Osei was caught passing notes to Cristea in the dock. Faced with mounting evidence, he pleaded guilty to several charges.
