Man who stabbed partner 17 times after split found guilty of murder

A man who stabbed his partner 17 times after she said she wanted to end their relationship has been found guilty of murder. Leon Murray, 35, of no fixed address, killed Keisha Christodoulou, 32, on November 1, 2022, just one day after he said their relationship was over.

Murray traveled to their flat in Tanner’s Hill, Deptford, where he stabbed Ms Christodoulou 17 times. Then she changed her clothes and went to pick up her six-year-old daughter from school.

Upon arrival, he told a member of staff that he was “done” and that he was “done” with Keisha. School staff called 999 and so did Murray. Officers visited the apartment and found Ms Christodoulou on the living room floor. Despite the efforts of emergency services to save her, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem examination indicated the cause of death as blunt force trauma to the chest. The Metropolitan Police said Murray was found guilty of murder on Friday following a trial at Wood Green Crown Court.

Despite his admission that he killed Keisha, Murray’s defense claimed diminished responsibility. However, the jury accepted the prosecution’s argument that the defendant had no substantial impairment of his liability and that he knew what he was doing.

He will be sentenced on Monday at the same court. Detective Inspector Adam Clifton, who led the investigation for the Met Police, said: “Murray’s appalling response to Keisha deciding to end their relationship is as senseless as it is selfish.

“Throughout the investigation and the trial, Murray tried to paint himself as a victim. The jury’s verdict shows that they rejected this. The level of violence used in the attack is absolutely shocking and our thoughts go out to Keisha’s family and friends, especially her three young children, whose lives will never be the same.

“Combating violence against women is one of our top priorities and we will continue our efforts to bring dangerous perpetrators like Murray to justice. I would encourage anyone experiencing domestic abuse to seek support.”