Two Teens Found Guilty of Brutal Killing Over Designer Jacket
Marvin Ward and Alexis Morris, both 18 and from Ilford, were convicted on Friday, 17 December 2021, at Wood Green Crown Court after a seven-week trial. Ward is from Westwood Road, Morris from South Park Drive.
Morris was also found guilty of carrying a machete in public. Both were convicted of maliciously wounding the victim’s mother and brother during the attack. Another teen, Anthony Nguyen, 18, of Belvedere, was found guilty of assisting an offender. Sentencing is set for 4 February 2022.
Designer Jacket Meeting Turns Deadly
The horrific incident began when Ward and Morris arranged to meet Hussain on 17 March 2021 at his home on Lea Bridge Road, East London, to buy a designer jacket he was selling on social media. Along with two friends of Hussain, the group entered his home after Morris asked about a smaller size jacket.
Suddenly, Ward and Morris pulled knives and threatened Hussain. Morris demanded to search upstairs, while Ward held Hussain and his friends at knifepoint in the sitting room. Ward called a taxi to make a quick escape.
Fatal Struggle with Family Ends in Stabbing
When Hussain’s mother returned home, Hussain tried to protect her. His two brothers rushed out and managed to detain Morris, leading to a violent struggle on the street. Ward tried to flee in the waiting taxi with the jacket.
During the chaotic fight, Hussain was fatally stabbed in the neck. His mother suffered a serious thumb injury and his brother a wounded hand. Ward ran from the scene, while Morris escaped by jumping out of an upstairs window.
Emergency services and an off-duty doctor rushed to the scene, but Hussain was pronounced dead shortly after.
Swift Police Action Brings Killers to Justice
Metropolitan Police homicide detectives launched a rapid investigation. CCTV and phone records identified Ward and Morris as the attackers. Ward was arrested on 19 March, Morris two days later in Luton. Nguyen had helped Morris evade capture.
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Stubbins said: “Hussain’s murder shocked the community. He was a hardworking law student at SOAS, simply selling clothes to make extra cash. Ward and Morris came armed with large machete knives and fake money, ready to use violence to commit robbery.
“This brutal attack over a designer jacket tragically ended his life. Arming yourself with a knife leads only to devastation. Hussain’s family not only suffer physical injuries but huge emotional scars.
“I pay tribute to his family and witnesses who helped bring justice to Hussain.”
