Twisted killer stabbed gran 18 times after ordering weapon online – now locked up indefinitely in mental hospital
Brutal Bus Stop Murder Shakes Edgware
On May 9, 2024, 66-year-old Anita Mukhey was waiting at a bus stop in Edgware when 25-year-old Jalal Debella launched a savage attack. Debella, a troubled man from Colindale, stabbed his grandmother up to 18 times with a knife he had ordered online and had delivered straight to his mental health rehab home.
CCTV footage reveals Debella leaving the rehab centre at 11:20am, passing the bus stop 20 minutes later, then returning minutes afterward to carry out the stabbing. Eyewitnesses reported a brief altercation before the brutal assault. Paramedics scrambled to save Ms Mukhey, but sadly she died at the scene.
Damning Evidence Puts Debella Behind Bars
- Debella was arrested at 4.46pm the same day back at his care home.
- Police identified him through CCTV and forensic evidence, including his DNA on the knife and clothing.
- Investigators uncovered his chilling obsession with violence online, finding searches for violent videos and news before and after the murder.
Jury Rules Killer Guilty but Mentally Unfit
At the Old Bailey on January 22, the jury found Debella responsible for Ms Mukhey’s death and possession of the murder weapon. However, due to serious mental health issues, the judge declared him unfit to stand trial.
Today, January 23, Debella was handed an indefinite hospital order. He faces a possible retrial if doctors ever find him mentally fit.
Police and Family Speak Out
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila said: “While this protects the public, it offers little comfort to Anita’s family. The courage her loved ones have shown over 20 months is remarkable. Thanks to the public and first responders — your help was crucial.”
The Mukhey family said: “Anita was the heart of our family — her loss leaves a huge void. We thank the police and CPS for their work. It’s deeply troubling that a man with severe mental illness, known to services and assessed as stable, was able to access weapons and research violent acts. This disconnect raises serious questions about risk assessment and the safety of mental health care settings. We stand ready to assist in any future inquest to ensure lessons are learned and public protection strengthened. There is so much good in this country — and because of that, we must do better.”
