Teens Guilty of Brutal Stabbing Over Designer Jacket Sale
Two 18-year-olds from Ilford have been found guilty of manslaughter and robbery after a fatal stabbing outside a home in Walthamstow. Marvin Ward of Westwood Road and Alexis Morris of South Park Drive were convicted on 17 December 2021 following a seven-week trial at Wood Green Crown Court.
Morris Found Guilty of Machete Possession and More
Morris was also guilty of carrying a machete in public, and both were convicted of maliciously wounding Hussain Chaudhry’s mother and brother during the attack. Anthony Nguyen, 18, from Belvedere, was found guilty of assisting an offender in helping Morris evade arrest.
Sentencing is set for Friday, 4 February 2022.
Deadly Plot Unfolded Over Fake Designer Jacket Deal
Ward and Morris arranged to meet Hussain on 17 March at his Lea Bridge Road address to buy a designer jacket he’d advertised online. With two of Hussain’s friends, the group went inside after Morris asked about a smaller jacket size.
But instead of a simple sale, Ward and Morris pulled knives and threatened Hussain and his friends. Morris demanded to search upstairs for more jackets while Ward held them at knifepoint downstairs.
When Hussain’s mother returned, chaos erupted. Hussain tried to protect her, and his brothers confronted the intruders. The fight spilled into the street as Ward tried to escape in a waiting taxi with the stolen jacket.
During the struggle, Hussain was fatally stabbed in the neck. His mother and brother also suffered serious injuries. Ward fled the scene, and Morris escaped through an upstairs window.
Investigation Leads to Arrests and Court Justice
Emergency services arrived quickly, but Hussain died at the scene despite attempts to save him. The Met’s Specialist Crime Command launched a fast investigation, identifying Ward and Morris via CCTV and phone data.
Ward was arrested on 19 March; Morris was caught two days later in Luton, with Nguyen’s help in evading police.
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Stubbins said: “Hussain’s murder shocked the community. He was a hardworking law student at SOAS University, just trying to make some extra cash selling clothes. Ward and Morris planned this robbery with machetes and fake money, ready to use violence if needed. This tragic death should never have happened over a designer jacket.
“This case highlights the deadly consequences of carrying knives to commit crime. Hussain’s family, who tried to protect him, now face the heavy burden of his loss both physically and emotionally. I pay tribute to the family and witnesses who helped bring justice for Hussain.”
