Man Jailed for Brutal Cemetery Stabbing in Kensal Green
Cornelius Tully, 51, from Brent High Street, was sentenced at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 11 November. He had already admitted manslaughter due to diminished responsibility.
Shock Attack in Kensal Green Cemetery
On 22 November 2020, police rushed to reports of a stabbing in a cemetery off Harrow Road, Kensal Green. Emergency services found 62-year-old Michael Morris-Owens with multiple stab wounds. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
CCTV Reveals Chilling Moment
Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command launched a thorough investigation. CCTV footage showed Morris-Owens sitting peacefully on a bench when Tully approached carrying a large knife. Without warning, Tully stabbed him repeatedly.
The victim tried desperately to escape and climb into a nearby car. But Tully caught him before he could get in, delivering over 30 fatal stab wounds.
Swift Arrest and Justice Served
Armed officers quickly arrived, finding Tully with bloodied hands. The murder weapon was recovered and sent for forensic tests.
Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin said: “Tully’s shocking and completely unprovoked attack not only took Michael’s life but left his family and friends suffering a huge loss which they are still coming to terms with. As the CCTV showed, Michael had little chance of defending himself against Tully’s violent actions, which were carried out in front of a number of members of the public. We would like to thank them for their bravery and for providing us with key information which assisted our investigation.”
