A 21-year-old man has been found guilty of manslaughter after a deadly stabbing outside a Brent shisha bar. Hours of CCTV and crucial witness testimony cracked the case wide open, leading to a fast arrest and conviction.
Knife Fight Outside Brent Shisha Bar
On Sunday, 18 May 2025, Ali Faris Muhammed, 26, was fatally stabbed in a street in north London. The chilling incident began inside a busy shisha bar in Brent when a verbal spat between two groups kicked off. Security tried to calm things, telling everyone to leave. But outside on Kingsbury Road, NW9, tensions boiled over. CCTV caught William Amadi, 21, from Barnet, throwing punches before pulling a knife and delivering the fatal stab. Amadi ran off immediately, leaving Ali bleeding on the pavement. Despite friends rushing Ali to the hospital, he died just an hour later.
Police Chase Leads to Quick Arrest
Detectives worked round-the-clock, sifting through CCTV from the bar and nearby streets. Amadi stood out wearing a shiny black jacket and a New York Yankees cap. Shouts of “Will, Will, Will!” on the footage helped police identify him.
- Amadi was arrested 72 hours post-murder, caught getting into a cab near his home.
- He’d been lying low, calling in sick to work and avoiding public spots.
- A key witness confirmed Amadi was armed with a knife that night.
- Amadi pled guilty to possessing an offensive weapon ahead of trial.
- Bank card records and forensic evidence tied Amadi to the scene — Ali’s DNA was found on his cap.
Detective Chief Inspector Speaks Out
“Ali was a much-loved son, brother and friend. His loss has had a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. Today’s verdict cannot bring him back, but I hope it provides a measure of justice for his family,” said Detective Chief Inspector Allam Bhangoo. “This case is a stark reminder of the brutal reality of knife violence. In a moment, a life is taken, and many others are changed forever. Carrying a knife puts lives at risk, and we will continue to go after those who bring violence onto our streets.”
Amadi faces sentencing at Harrow Crown Court on Friday, 8 May.
