David Odunuga Found Guilty of Murder After Brutal Stabbing Near Finsbury Park
David Odunuga plunged a knife into Brian Edwards three times following a heated argument near Finsbury Park on 19 September 2023. The 53-year-old victim was found injured outside his home in Tollington Park at 4am and died shortly after emergency services arrived.
Forensic Evidence Links Odunuga to the Crime
Police quickly tied a silver BMW X5 at the scene to Odunuga, uncovering false insurance and registration details linked to him. The discovery of a car key with his DNA inside the vehicle sealed suspicion. Further mobile phone data and CCTV footage tracked Odunuga’s movements on the night of the attack, placing him near the victim’s family address and near where the victim’s phone was later discarded.
Arrest and Trial Reveal Attempts to Evade Justice
Odunuga, 33, was arrested on 22 September at his Brentwood home after a coordinated effort by Met and Essex Police. Officers found a black balaclava and knife sheath in another vehicle he owned at the time.
At trial, Odunuga admitted to changing his name by deed poll to obtain a driving licence and passport, trying to dodge prosecution and avoid disqualification for driving offences. He claimed a drug dealer had taken his vehicle over a drug debt hours before the stabbing and denied being at the scene or killing Brian Edwards.
Guilty Verdict and Upcoming Sentencing
David Odunuga, of Rollason Way, Brentwood, was found guilty of murder and possession of an offensive weapon at the link="linked">Old Bailey on 1 and 3 April. He is set to be sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on Thursday, 4 April.
