A man has been found guilty of murdering a woman following a thorough investigation by Metropolitan Police detectives.
On April 1, 2026, a jury at Inner London Crown Court convicted 33-year-old Simon Ghebremedhin, residing on Streatham High Road, SW16, for the murder of 26-year-old Marjama Osman in Croydon.
Ghebremedhin fatally stabbed Marjama inside her residence on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
Detective Inspector Aytac Necati, who oversaw the investigation, stated, „Our thoughts today are with Marjama’s family and friends. The evidence presented at trial was graphic and highly distressing, which meant Marjama’s loved ones were subjected to further torment and anguish.“
He further remarked, „Ghebremedhin is a particularly devious killer, who went to great lengths to deceive police and the court. Thankfully, diligent detective work has exposed him as a liar.“
Inspector Necati emphasized the Metropolitan Police’s commitment to public safety, particularly regarding violence against women and girls, as part of their New Met for London strategy. He noted, „The successful prosecution in this case illustrates this commitment. We’ll continue to do everything in our power to take the most dangerous and prolific perpetrators off our streets.“
On the morning of May 31, 2025, police responded to reports of a stabbing at Marjama’s flat on Frith Road, Croydon. A passer-by discovered the victim unconscious outside her home. Ghebremedhin was also found at the scene, suffering from a knife wound to his abdomen.
Emergency services, including the London Ambulance Service, arrived promptly. Ghebremedhin was transported to the hospital and subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder.
It was established that Marjama and Ghebremedhin were acquainted. On the day of the incident, Ghebremedhin had visited Marjama’s apartment, where a dispute ensued. CCTV footage obtained by investigators captured Ghebremedhin’s violent outburst, during which he smashed his own phone and pounded on the door.
Marjama eventually allowed him entry, where he proceeded to stab her. She managed to flee the apartment but collapsed outside.
While in the hospital and during police interviews, Ghebremedhin claimed he acted in self-defense after Marjama attacked him with a knife. However, investigators reviewed the CCTV footage and found no evidence of injury on him immediately following the stabbing.
After following Marjama outside, Ghebremedhin returned inside the apartment, where it is believed he inflicted the injury on himself to support his self-defense claim.
To validate this theory, police brought in specialists who concluded that the wound to his abdomen was likely self-inflicted. This critical evidence was presented during the trial.
Ghebremedhin is scheduled to be sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on April 14.
Bildquelle: Bildquelle: Francois Olwage auf Unsplash