Tanner’s Hill Deptford stabbing: Man found guilty of murder

Leon Murray, 35, of no fixed address, was found guilty of the murder of his partner Keisha Christodoulou following a trial at Wood Green Crown Court on May 31.

On October 31, 2022 Murray travelled to the flat he and his partner Keisha shared in Tanner’s Hill, Deptford, a day after she told him she wanted to end their relationship.

Keisha, 32, was fatally stabbed by Murray 17 times, after which Murray changed his clothes and went to pick up the couple’s six-year-old daughter from school.

Both Murray and school staff called 999, after Murray informed a member of staff on arrival that “it is done” and that he had “ended” Keisha.

Officers found Keisha lying on the living room floor and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem revealed that the cause of death was sharp force trauma to the chest.

Keisha, 32, was fatally stabbed by Murray 17 times (Image: Met Police)

In court, Murray admitted killing Keisha but his defence claimed diminished responsibility.

However, the jury accepted the prosecution’s argument that Murray had no substantial impairment of his responsibility and that he knew what he was doing.

Murray will later be sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court on June 3.

Detective Inspector Adam Clifton, who led the investigation, said: “Murray’s horrific response to Keisha deciding to end their relationship is as senseless as it is selfish.

“Throughout the investigation and trial, Murray has tried to paint himself as a victim. The verdict of the jury shows that they rejected this.

“The level of violence used in the attack is utterly shocking and our thoughts remain with Keisha’s family and friends, particularly her three young children whose lives will never be the same.

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