Boxing Brawl Ends in Fatal Stabbing – Two Men Convicted of Manslaughter
Two men have been found guilty of manslaughter after a brutal stabbing outside a Bethnal Green boxing match in 2016. Marlon Thomas, 28, from SE27, and Jerome Osbourne, 33, from Chessington, were convicted at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 20 June, following a seven-week trial.
They face sentencing on Friday, 29 June.
Deadly Ambush After Boxing Match
On the night of 29 July 2016, police rushed to a stabbing near Bethnal Green Underground Station at around 10:35pm. Victim Luther Edwards, 31, a father of two, was found collapsed at a petrol station forecourt on Old Ford Road.
He was rushed to hospital but died just over an hour later. A post-mortem revealed he suffered a fatal stab wound to the heart.
Attack Sparked by Jealousy and Text Messages
Luther had been at an amateur boxing event at York Hall, arriving with friends around 7pm. Inside, he got into a heated altercation and was later ambushed by a group as he left.
Despite being stabbed twice, Luther tried to flee. He staggered onto a busy main road and into the petrol station forecourt where his attackers caught up and continued the assault. He then collapsed and died.
The mystery behind the attack was revealed through messages Luther sent during the match to his girlfriend. One text included a photo of Marlon Thomas, his girlfriend’s ex-partner. Luther taunted Thomas by suggesting his girlfriend had moved on to a ‘better man’.
Records show Luther and Thomas had never met before that fateful night. The furious Thomas reportedly triggered the violent attack, with Osbourne throwing the first punch.
Police Praise Their Team’s Tireless Work
“This investigation was lengthy and challenging, but justice has been served,” said Case Officer DS Brett Hagen. “Thanks to tireless hours spent reviewing thousands of CCTV tapes, we arrested and convicted those responsible for this savage attack.”
“Luther’s family, who witnessed parts of the attack, have shown immense strength and patience over the last two years. I hope they find some comfort in today’s verdict.”
