Cold Case Throwback: Martine’s Killer Still on the Run After 13 Years
Thirteen years on, Martine’s murder remains unsolved. The 23-year-old was found dead in a flat’s basement on Great Portland Street on 14 March 2008. Her body was partially hidden under rubble.
Prime Suspect Flees UK Hours After Murder
Farouk Abdulhak was quickly named a suspect. Within hours of Martine’s death, he vanished from the UK, heading first to Egypt and then Yemen.
Detective’s Plea: “Come Back and Face Justice”
“I want to make it clear to Farouk Abdulhak this matter isn’t going away,” said Detective Inspector James Howarth. “My team will keep pursuing him to bring him back to the UK. His status as a wanted man remains and I won’t stop seeking justice for Martine’s family.”
“Farouk, I’m appealing to you directly. Come back and face justice.”
The Tragic Night: Celebrations Turn Deadly
Martine was out celebrating the end of her exams at Mayfair’s Maddox nightclub with friends. She left around 2am on 14 March with Abdulhak. Two days later, police traced Abdulhak’s residence on Great Portland Street and discovered her body.
The post-mortem revealed strangulation was the cause of death. She had also been raped. An inquest in 2010 ruled the death as unlawful killing.
Help Crack the Case
Martine’s family and police continue their fight for justice. Anyone with information is urged to contact the incident room on 020 8358 0300 or the charity Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
