Leon Murray: Man guilty of murder after stabbing partner, Keisha Christodoulou, 17 times
Leon Murray tried to claim diminished responsibility, but the jury accepted the prosecution's argument that he knew what he was doing.
Sunday 2 June 2024 10:25, UK
A man who stabbed his partner 17 times after she tried to end their relationship has been convicted of murder.
Leon Murray, 35, killed Keisha Christodoulou, 32, on 1 November 2022, the day after she said she wanted to split up.
After knifing her at their flat in Tanner's Hill in southeast London, he changed his clothes and picked their six-year-old daughter up from school.
Once there, he told a member of staff he had "ended" Keisha and "it is done".
School staff called 999, as did Murray.
Police went to the flat and found Ms Christodoulou on the living room floor.
Emergency services tried to save her, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Despite admitting the crime, Murray claimed diminished responsibility during his defence.
But the jury at Wood Green Crown Court accepted the prosecution's argument that he knew what he was doing.
He will be sentenced at the same court on Monday.
Read more:
British ambassador sacked after 'pointing gun at staff'
Body of British 'kayaking legend' found in Italian lake
"Murray's horrific response to Keisha deciding to end their relationship is as senseless as it is selfish," said Detective Inspector Adam Clifton, who led the investigation for Scotland Yard.
"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."