Beatrice Cenusa Murder: Stoica Jailed for Life | Met Police Reform Underway
Beatrice Cenusa’s Killer Gets Life for Brutal Murder
On Tuesday, 1 February, Stony Stoica, 44, from Lordship Lane, Dulwich, was locked up for life at Inner London Crown Court. He must serve at least 18 years for the savage murder of his ex-wife, 26-year-old Beatrice Cenusa. Stoica had already admitted the crime.
The deadly attack happened on Friday, 23 July 2021. Police were called at 10.09pm after Beatrice’s neighbour found her in a pool of blood in her hallway on Lordship Lane, SE22. Despite emergency efforts, she died in hospital hours later.
Chilling CCTV and Confession
Less than an hour after the stabbing, Stoica walked into Peckham police station and confessed: “I just murdered my ex-wife.” CCTV showed him arriving at Beatrice’s home at 10.01pm and fleeing nine minutes later. He even left personal items—phone, wallet, and ID—at the scene.
Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin blasted Stoica’s brutality:
“The attack was so vicious that Beatrice was found with the knife still lodged in her chest. He’s a deadly risk and will now spend a large part of his life behind bars. Not only did he kill an innocent woman, but he did it with their nine-year-old daughter in the next room. The child faces a lifetime scar from this trauma. Our thoughts remain with the family.”
Police Misconduct and Reforms: Cleaning Up the Force
Following the case, an investigation into police conduct uncovered serious failings. Two officers faced gross misconduct allegations; one was dismissed, another resigned before dismissal. Four others attended misconduct hearings; one got a written warning, another escaped action due to improvements. Two officers underwent performance reviews, with two more assigned reflective practice. Four officers had no case to answer.
The report included sweeping recommendations. The Metropolitan Police Commissioner has tasked Baroness Louise Casey to lead a tough, independent review into Met culture and behaviour. The aim: root out corruption and boost professionalism.
Steps to Rebuild Trust in London
- More investigators hired to crack down on corrupt officers.
- The disbanding of the unit involved in the scandal back in 2018 amid local policing overhaul.
- Creation of 12 Chief Inspector posts to raise leadership and standards.
- New Chief Inspector appointed to oversee West End neighbourhood policing for sharper scrutiny.
- Ongoing dialogue with Londoners and partners to drive lasting change.
The Met urges the public to report any officer misconduct via their website or by calling 101. Police employees can alert anti-corruption teams anonymously through the Right Line confidential phone.
For more on the Met’s actions and efforts to regain public trust, read Rebuilding Trust – Update on Progress.
