Two Men Convicted Over Fatal Stabbing of Young Student in Islington
Justice has been served in the tragic stabbing of 20-year-old Steve Narvaez-Jara in Islington. Mohammed Musse, 21, of Hackney, was found guilty of violent disorder. Meanwhile, Ramani Boreland, also from Hackney, was convicted of manslaughter and violent disorder. Both verdicts came following a gripping Old Bailey trial on Tuesday, 18 February.
Deadly Brawl Erupts After New Year’s Eve Party
The sad events unfolded after a 19-year-old student’s party on New Year’s Eve 2017 at her mother’s flat in Old Street, Islington. To keep gatecrashers out, a guest list and two door staff were hired until 2am. Trouble started shortly after they left.
Musse had been drinking heavily and causing a stir with female guests. A fight broke out when a boyfriend stepped in to confront him. Steve Narvaez-Jara, known as “Carlos,” joined the fracas in the kitchen.
- Witnesses saw Musse throw the first punch.
- Steve fought back, but Musse left before the fatal attack.
- The fight escalated into a violent brawl with bottles thrown and weapons drawn.
Brutal Attack: Student Stabbed to Death in His Own Home
Steve slipped and fell during the chaos. As he lay on the floor, he was brutally attacked:
- Punched repeatedly.
- Hit with pieces of wood from a broken shoe rack.
- Struck with a machete.
- Stabbed three times—twice in the chest, once in the arm.
The fatal chest wounds pierced his heart and lung, killing him at the scene.
Steve was originally from south London and had recently started studying Piloting and Engineering at Hertfordshire University. A post-mortem confirmed cause of death on 3 January 2018.
Key Suspect Boreland Linked to Fatal Stabbing
Witnesses implicated Boreland and a third man, Daniela Lena (20), in the assault. The third man had left the flat but returned with a machete, attacking Steve further. However, forensic evidence pointed to the fatal knife wound being delivered with a kitchen knife, not the machete.
All three suspects were friends of Musse and allegedly acted on his behalf during the assault.
Police Urge Community to Help Fight Knife Crime
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Considine said:
“Once again we are dealing with the loss of a young life due to the scourge of knife crime. My team have worked hard to bring those responsible to justice, but what comfort will that be to Steve’s family? They are mourning Steve and his loss will stay with them for the rest of their lives.”
He added a call to action:
“The police cannot do this alone and we need the support of our communities to tackle violent crime. I urge anyone with information about those carrying weapons to speak up. We want to save the lives of young people.”
Those uncomfortable speaking to police can contact 123.
Sentencing Dates Set
- Ramani Boreland faces sentencing on 2 March.
- Mohammed Musse will be sentenced on 30 March.
Both hearings will take place at the Old Bailey.
