Life behind bars for East Ham killer who fatally stabbed man after row
A 51-year-old man has been handed life imprisonment for stabbing two people in East Ham – killing one and seriously injuring another.
Keith Nelson convicted of murder and wounding
Keith Nelson, of Mountsfield Road, E6, was found guilty at the Old Bailey for the murder of 34-year-old Alfred Purcell on 3 May. The brutal attack took place during a heated argument in June 2017.
Nelson also pleaded guilty to maliciously wounding a second victim in the same incident. On 4 May, he was sentenced to life with a minimum of 23 years behind bars. He will serve an 18-month sentence for the grievous bodily harm (GBH) charge concurrently.
Fatal stabbing after a bitter dispute
Police were called to White Horse Road, East Ham, at around 8.10 pm on 26 June 2017 following reports of a stabbing near Gresham Road junction.
Alfred was treated at the scene before being rushed to hospital, where he sadly died just before 9 pm. The court heard Alfred and others had been drinking earlier near Central Park, East Ham.
The violence stemmed from a previous dispute. Alfred believed Nelson had disrespected a friend, and tensions boiled over when they crossed paths that evening. Nelson went home, armed himself with two knives, then returned to attack Alfred and a second victim on White Horse Road.
Nelson stabbed Alfred in the chest, delivering a fatal blow, and also injured the other man before fleeing on foot.
Police hunt and arrest
Detectives from the Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command launched an intensive investigation. Witness statements and CCTV footage quickly identified Nelson as the attacker.
He was arrested on 28 June 2017 and charged with murder two days later.
Detective slams ‘dangerous’ killer
“Nelson, incensed after the dispute with Alfred, picked up two knives knowing full well the fatal consequences that could result,” said Detective Inspector Domenica Catino.
“He did not hesitate to use extreme violence. Sadly, Alfred lost his life and a second victim suffered injury as a result of his actions.
Nelson is a dangerous man who will now spend a long time in prison.”
