A man has been found guilty of murdering his partner after a Metropolitan Police investigation uncovered a pattern of abusive behaviour leading up to her death at their Ealing home. Alvin Gitahi, 43, of Uxbridge Road, Ealing, was convicted of murdering 35-year-old Vivienne Baraka following a trial at Southwark Crown Court. The jury returned its guilty verdict on Thursday, August 6. Vivienne died after suffering compression to her neck at an address in Riverside Close, Ealing, in March 2024. 
Phone records revealed that shortly before her death, Vivienne called her mother and told her to dial 999, saying she was in danger and that Gitahi “beat her all the time”.
Vivienne found fatally injured at Ealing home
Police were called at around 3.15pm on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, after concerns were raised for the welfare of a woman at the Riverside Close property. Met officers and London Ambulance Service crews attended and discovered Vivienne suffering from injuries. Despite the efforts of emergency services, she was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination later established that Vivienne had died as a result of compression to the neck. Gitahi was arrested at the scene and detectives launched a murder investigation. 
Messages revealed pattern of abusive behaviour
Investigators seized electronic devices from the property and carried out an extensive examination of the data they contained. Police discovered messages exchanged between Vivienne and Gitahi which indicated that she had been subjected to repeated abusive behaviour. Detectives said the evidence helped investigators establish the extent of the abuse Vivienne had experienced before her death. Crucially, phone records showed that Vivienne had contacted her mother shortly before she died. During the call, she asked her mother to contact the emergency services, telling her she was in danger and that Gitahi regularly assaulted her. Investigators also obtained witness statements from neighbours. Some told police they heard a woman screaming shortly before officers arrived at the property. Following the extensive investigation, Gitahi was charged with murder on October 8, 2025.
Family: ‘Justice has prevailed’
Following his conviction, Vivienne’s family paid tribute to her and said they were grateful that Gitahi had been held responsible for her death. They said: “We are grateful that justice has prevailed. Vivienne was very community-orientated and helped a lot of people during her life. “She was taken from us far too soon. She was a very much-loved member of our family, and she is missed every day. “Vivienne’s spirit lives on in her daughter. We would like to thank everyone who has supported us through this difficult time.”
‘Ongoing violence in her own home’
Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Denby, who led the murder investigation, described the case as devastating. He said: “Our thoughts are with Vivienne’s loved ones, who have lost a mother, daughter and a friend. “This is a devastating case where a young woman has been subject to ongoing violence in her own home, culminating in her tragic death. “While no outcome can undo this loss, we hope today’s conviction brings her family and friends some measure of closure and reassurance that Gitahi has been held accountable for his actions.” DCI Denby said tackling violence against women and girls remained a priority for the Metropolitan Police. He added: “Our commitment to tackling violence against women and girls remains firm. “We will continue to pursue offenders and work closely with partner agencies to prevent harm and support victims.” Gitahi is due to return to Southwark Crown Court to be sentenced during the week beginning Monday, October 19.
