Gore Video Obsessed Killer Stabs Grandmother After Watching Beheadings
A man with a disturbing obsession with violent gore content stabbed a grandmother to death at a northwest London bus stop after watching videos of beheadings in the days leading up to the fatal attack, the Old Bailey has heard.
Fatal Attack at Bus Stop
Jalal Debella, 24, allegedly left his rehabilitation accommodation and repeatedly knifed 66-year-old medical secretary Anita Mukhey on May 9, 2024. The court was told he purchased a 7.5-inch hunting knife with sheath online, which was delivered just over an hour before the killing took place.
Prosecutor Jonathan Polnay KC revealed the attacker inflicted approximately 18 separate injuries with the weapon, including devastating wounds to Ms Mukhey's heart and lungs. Despite being charged with murder and possessing an offensive weapon, Debella was found unfit to stand trial due to his disability and being too unwell to attend court proceedings.
Disturbing Online Activity
Jurors were presented with evidence showing Debella's extensive online activity in the days preceding the attack. Analysis of his computer revealed 3,115 Google searches conducted between May 6 and May 9, including multiple searches for 'killing videos' online.
Mr Polnay told the court Debella had developed a 'particular interest in very violent videos', regularly accessing websites featuring graphic content described as 'gore videos and pictures updated in real time' showing people dying through various violent means including murder, suicide, beheading and dismemberment.
Knife Purchase and Tracking
The prosecution detailed how Debella meticulously tracked the delivery of his hunting knife on the morning of the attack. He made repeated visits to the Royal Mail tracking website before finally signing for the weapon at 10.45am.
Just 14 minutes after receiving the knife, at 10.59am, Debella used his computer to search for 'killing video' before visiting a gore video website several times. He left his accommodation at Meridan House at 11.23am, with CCTV footage later showing him sitting on a bench outside Atholl House before approaching the bus stop where the attack occurred.
Witness Accounts and Aftermath
Witness Stefan Dennis described hearing people screaming and cars beeping as the violent incident unfolded. She believed the attacker was 'on drugs' and observed him walking away casually with 'something shiny in his hand'.
Mr Dennis attempted to save Ms Mukhey's life by performing CPR until emergency services arrived, but she tragically died within an hour of the assault. Following the attack, Debella returned to Meridan House and resumed using his computer, visiting knife company websites and searching for gore content alongside 'breaking news'.
Forensic Evidence and Arrest
Police arrived at Debella's accommodation at 4.46pm the same day, with an officer recognising him from CCTV footage as the suspect. During their search, officers discovered a pair of white bloodstained Nike trainers under his bed containing DNA that matched Ms Mukhey's profile.
Mr Polnay stated it was 'one billion times more likely' the DNA originated from the victim than from an unrelated individual. Debella's own DNA profile was also recovered from inside the left trainer. The hunting knife was found in a bin, with forensic analysis revealing DNA links to both Debella and Ms Mukhey.
Judge Philip Katz KC sent the jury out to consider whether Debella had committed the alleged acts of murder and possession of an offensive weapon, while noting the defendant remained too unwell to attend court throughout the proceedings.
