Gore Video Obsessed Man Detained Indefinitely for Brutal Bus Stop Murder of Grandmother
A man described as a "gore video fanatic" has been detained indefinitely for the senseless and brutal murder of a grandmother at a bus stop in north London. Jala Debella, aged 24, launched a frenzied attack on 66-year-old Anita Mukhey, stabbing her with a hunting knife 18 times as she waited for a bus on the morning of May 9, 2024.
Horrific Attack Witnessed by Public
The Old Bailey heard that multiple members of the public witnessed the horrific incident unfold at around 11.50am on Edgware Road. After the attack, Debella was seen "casually walking away" from the scene, leaving Ms Mukhey collapsed in the road. Passers-by rushed to her aid, but despite their efforts and the swift response of emergency services, she was pronounced dead at the scene at 12.22pm.
Defendant's Disturbing Online Interests Revealed in Court
During a trial of facts at the Old Bailey, prosecutor Jonathan Polnay KC outlined the evidence against Debella, who was deemed unwell and unable to attend court or enter a plea. The court was told that Debella, who lived at a residential home in Colindale supporting people with mental health problems, had a "particular interest in very violent videos" online. These videos depicted extreme violence involving knives and other weapons.
Polnay stated that Debella and Ms Mukhey were completely unknown to each other, making this a random and motiveless attack. He emphasised that the evidence most strongly suggested Debella was responsible for the killing.
Purchase of Weapon and Online Searches Before Murder
The prosecution detailed how Debella had purchased a hunting knife with a sheath from an online shop just three days before the murder. On the morning of the attack, after the knife arrived, he allegedly searched for "killing video" on his computer and visited a website showing graphic violent content.
CCTV footage captured Debella walking north on Edgware Road before returning to the scene where the stabbing occurred. A high-pitched scream was heard moments before Ms Mukhey was seen collapsing.
Forensic Evidence and Arrest
Later on the day of the murder, police recovered a knife that looked identical to the one Debella had purchased online. Forensic analysis confirmed that the weapon had DNA from both Debella and Ms Mukhey on it, providing crucial physical evidence linking him to the crime.
After returning home, Debella allegedly conducted further internet searches for terms such as "knife", "gore video", and "breaking news". He was arrested on suspicion of murder at his accommodation at 16:46 the same day. In a police interview, he made no comment and was subsequently charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon.
The case has highlighted disturbing issues around online access to extreme violent content and its potential influence on individuals with mental health vulnerabilities. The indefinite detention order reflects the severity of the crime and the ongoing risk deemed to be posed by Debella.
