A man with a fascination for violent videos purchased a hunting knife online and tracked its delivery shortly before fatally stabbing a woman at a bus stop, a court has been informed.
On May 9, 2024, at approximately 11:50 AM, Jala Debella, 24, allegedly attacked 66-year-old Anita Mukhey, who was waiting for a bus in North London, stabbing her 18 times. Witnesses reported seeing Debella carry out the „senseless attack“ before he walked away nonchalantly as bystanders rushed to assist the victim and contacted emergency services. Despite the efforts of medical personnel and police, Ms. Mukhey succumbed to her injuries at 12:22 PM, according to testimony presented at the Old Bailey.
Details of the Attack and Background of the Defendant
Debella resided in a residential facility in Colindale, North West London, which supports individuals with mental health issues. He was reportedly unwell and unable to attend court proceedings. Jonathan Polnay KC, who opened the trial of the facts, stated that the jury’s responsibility was to ascertain whether Debella was responsible for Ms. Mukhey’s death, as the evidence strongly indicated.
Polnay described the attack as „senseless“ and noted that the two individuals were unknown to each other prior to the incident. He highlighted Debella’s particular interest in extreme violent content online, including videos featuring knives and other weapons. Two months prior to the murder, Debella had purchased a 21 cm blade for £120 from a shop in Covent Garden. On April 26, 2024, he attempted to acquire a „Survivor 9.5 fixed blade knife“ from Blades.co.uk, but the order was declined due to his residential address.
Tracking the Knife Delivery and Subsequent Actions
Just three days before the stabbing, Debella successfully ordered a hunting knife with a sheath from knifewarehouse.co.uk. He tracked the delivery of this knife on the Royal Mail website and received it at 10:44 AM on the day of the attack. Shortly thereafter, he searched for „killing video“ on his computer and accessed a site featuring graphic violent content.
CCTV footage captured Debella walking north along Edgware Road, passing the bus stop before returning to the scene of the attack. Witnesses reported seeing him argue with Ms. Mukhey, followed by a series of punches to her face and stomach, and then brandishing a knife. A high-pitched scream was heard before she collapsed, with the first emergency call made at 11:48 AM.
Aftermath and Forensic Evidence
As he left the scene, Debella was seen discarding an item in a bin. Later that day, police recovered a knife that appeared identical to the one he had purchased online. Forensic analysis revealed that the knife contained DNA from both Debella and Ms. Mukhey.
Upon returning home, Debella allegedly searched for terms such as „knife,“ „gore video,“ and „breaking news.“ Police arrived at 4:46 PM and recognized him from CCTV footage, despite his change of clothing. When arrested on suspicion of murder, he requested to speak with his lawyer.
Bloodstained Nike trainers seized from his residence indicated DNA that was „one billion times“ more likely to belong to Debella and Ms. Mukhey than to unknown individuals. During a police interview, Debella remained silent and was subsequently charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon. The trial at the Old Bailey, presided over by Judge Philip Katz KC, is ongoing.
Bildquelle: Bildquelle: (Augustin-Foto) Jonas Augustin auf Unsplash
