A man has been convicted of murder after CCTV footage captured him heading to a nightclub just moments after fatally attacking a Dubai-based chef in Queensway, West London.
Omar Wilson, 31, of Napier Road, Leytonstone, was found guilty at the Old Bailey on Thursday, February 20, of the murder of Mussie Imnetu, 41, who had been visiting London from Dubai, where he lived and worked as a respected chef.
The Attack and Investigation
The violent incident occurred late on Monday, August 26, 2024, during the post-Notting Hill Carnival celebrations. Emergency services were called to Queensway, W2 at 11:22 PM, where Mussie was found unconscious with a severe head injury.
Despite the best efforts of police and paramedics, Mussie succumbed to his injuries four days later on August 30, leaving behind a grieving family in Dubai, Sweden, and London.
CCTV footage revealed Wilson fleeing the scene immediately after the attack, dropping his sunglasses, house keys, and car keys in his haste. Forensic teams recovered Wilson’s DNA from the sunglasses, and the keys were confirmed to match his home and vehicle, directly linking him to the crime scene.
Further phone data analysis placed Wilson in Queensway at the time of the assault. CCTV footage also tracked his journey across London, showing him arriving at a nightclub on Gaunt Street, SE1, approximately 90 minutes after the fatal attack.
Murder Trial and Wilson’s Defense
Throughout the trial, Wilson maintained that he had acted in self-defense, but the jury rejected his claim, finding him guilty of murder by majority verdict.
The court heard damning evidence, including text messages Wilson sent to friends after the attack, where he confessed to the violent act. In one message, he wrote:
“There’s a monster in me … and it’s just like sometimes it comes out. And I think I’ve messed up now … and everything’s finished.”
He further admitted: “I’ve f**** up … I crossed the line and went overboard. I don’t think I can come back from this mistake … I’m going jail in the morning.”*
Another message read: “I did the hands ting… finished one guy man,” with a friend advising him to “get a solicitor and use your ADHD” as a defense.
Family Left Devastated
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, led the investigation and expressed his condolences to Mussie’s grieving family.
“Our thoughts very much remain with Mussie’s family and friends in Dubai, Sweden, and London, who had to relive the last traumatic moments of his life during the trial after Wilson refused to take responsibility for his actions,” said DCI Howie.
Mussie was a loving husband, father, son, and a respected chef. He was in London for just a few days to help train his colleagues and went out that evening to enjoy the post-Notting Hill Carnival atmosphere, where tragically he was violently assaulted.”
Wilson’s Arrest and Sentencing
Wilson was arrested at his home on August 28, 2024, just two days after the attack, and was charged with murder the following day.
He is now awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled to take place at the Old Bailey on Friday, February 28.
Wilson faces a potential life sentence, with the court set to determine the minimum term he will serve before being eligible for parole.
