Kirandeep Kaur, a 24-year-old mother from India, was stabbed to death in her home in Hayes, west London, on July 12, 2026. Daniel Sean James, 46, has been charged with her murder and the attempted murder of another man. Kaur's sister, Gursharan, told the BBC that Kirandeep was 'everything' to her and had moved to London seeking a better job to support her family.
Attack Details
Prosecutor Charlene Sumnall told the Old Bailey that James allegedly walked through a playing field in Hayes dressed in black and carrying a large knife. He was captured on CCTV and doorbell cameras approaching three addresses before stabbing a man in his 20s in the back. Minutes later, at around 7:51 am, he allegedly kicked in the door of Kaur's home, where she was asleep with her husband and three-month-old baby. The husband awoke to a scream and saw a figure leaving the bedroom.
Aftermath and Charges
James allegedly exited the property by jumping from a kitchen-living room window, breaking both ankles, and attempted to flee but collapsed after 10 meters. Police arrived within 24 minutes of the first sighting. Kaur suffered a stab wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 8:26 am. James was treated in hospital before being taken into custody. He has been charged with murder, attempted murder, and possession of a blade.
According to the BBC, Kaur's sister Gursharan said, 'She was everything to me.' A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist with funeral costs, stating: 'Kirandeep Kaur was a 24-year-old student from Punjab, India, who came to the UK with hopes of building a better future... Her sudden death has left her young baby without a mother and her family devastated.'
Court Proceedings
James appeared at the Old Bailey via videolink from Wormwood Scrubs on July 18. Judge Nigel Lickley KC set a plea hearing for October 1 and a provisional trial from April 5, 2027. James spoke only to confirm his identity and was remanded into custody. The court heard that both victims were strangers to the defendant.
