Duane Owusu Sentenced for Murder of Deaf Woman in Dagenham Attack
Duane Owusu, a 36-year-old man branded a "monster" by witnesses, has been jailed for murder after killing deaf woman Zahwa Mukhtar with a single punch in Dagenham, London. The violent incident occurred on August 16, 2025, following a night out that turned deadly.
Brutal Assault Following Ejection from Vehicle
The Old Bailey heard that Ms Mukhtar, aged 27, had joined Owusu and his friends, whom she had never met before, during the early hours. After inhaling laughing gas and becoming involved in an argument with one of Owusu's friends, she was forcibly thrown from the car as it entered Chadwell Heath.
Witnesses described Owusu, nicknamed "Nasty", as appearing "like a monster" during the ensuing attack. He first kicked Ms Mukhtar twice in the face while she sat on the pavement, then delivered a fatal punch as she attempted to stand up. A witness recounted the moment "she just fell" onto the street, desperately pleading for help.
Fatal Injuries and Attempted Cover-Up
Ms Mukhtar sustained a skull fracture and traumatic brain injury, leading to her being pronounced dead at the scene. Police responded to reports of an unresponsive woman and later stopped Owusu's group nearby, detaining them for 50 minutes.
During the trial, Owusu denied punching Ms Mukhtar, claiming he only pushed her to "de-escalate" the situation. However, CCTV footage contradicted his account, showing him berating another man as a "weak link" for wanting to return and assist her.
Dramatic Trial and Emotional Aftermath
The trial featured dramatic moments, including when Ms Mukhtar's brother jumped at the defendant upon entering the witness box, leaving jurors "extremely shaken". Owusu was found guilty of murder despite pleading not guilty to both murder and manslaughter charges.
Witness Paige Allen testified that she tried to help Ms Mukhtar but was screamed at by Owusu to get back in the car, describing him as "just rage". The court heard that Ms Mukhtar had pulled the hair of Owusu's friend and made stabbing threats during the initial argument, which escalated into the fatal violence.
