Birthday Bash Turns Deadly: Music Manager Murdered Over Fake Watch
A brutal robbery ended in the tragic murder of Emmanuel Odunlami, 32, after he was stabbed over what turned out to be a counterfeit designer watch. The shocking attack happened near St Paul’s Cathedral, London, on May 1 last year — transforming a birthday celebration into a nightmare.
Watch Target Sparks Deadly Ambush
Emmanuel, a respected music manager known as Jay to friends, was partying at an exclusive City of London event when trouble struck. His eye-catching Patek Philippe Nautilus watch — valued between £90,000 and £300,000 — caught the attention of event security team member Kavindu Hettiarachichi. The security insider tipped off a gang about the pricey timepiece.
As Emmanuel left Haz restaurant, the gang pounced. Jordell Menzies, 27, was the attacker who fatally stabbed Emmanuel before the robbers fled in a Mercedes with the watch in tow. Court later revealed the watch was likely a fake — a tragic irony in this deadly heist.
Gang Found Guilty in Senseless Killing
- Jordell Menzies convicted of murder at retrial.
- Louis Vandrose, 28, and Quincy Ffrench, 28, found guilty of manslaughter and robbery.
- Kavindu Hettiarachichi, 31, pleaded guilty to theft, robbery, and manslaughter.
- Antonios Kfoury, 22, convicted of perverting the course of justice.
The court heard how Emmanuel had arrived at the event in a grey Mercedes hatchback, dressed sharply in a Dior jacket, carrying a Goyard bag. Friends wore Rolex watches, adding to the high-end scene.
Callous Attack Caught on Camera
CCTV outside Haz bar showed Hettiarachichi filming and coordinating the gang’s ambush. Emmanuel was knocked down and viciously kicked. During the assault, Ffrench was heard saying “got it” as he grabbed the watch from the victim’s wrist. Emmanuel suffered a fatal chest wound.
After the attack, the gang changed clothes in Bloomsbury and split up. Police found more counterfeit luxury watches at Hettiarachichi’s home, linking him to the fake watch racket. Kfoury lied to police about his role in the event’s security.
Police Condemn Callous Crime
Detective Chief Inspector Edelle Michaels from the City of London Police described the murder as “callous and coordinated.” She highlighted the devastating impact on Emmanuel’s family and condemned knife crime. “We are determined to bring those responsible to justice,” she vowed.
This senseless killing serves as a grim reminder of the deadly prices greed and violence can exact — all over a fake watch.
