‘Devious’ Croydon killer stabbed woman in her flat then knifed himself to claim self-defence

Police were having none of it and he was locked up for 19 years

A man who stabbed a woman to death in Croydon has received a life prison sentence. Police raced to 26-year-old Marjama Osman’s flat in Frith Road, Croydon, to reports of a stabbing on May 31 last year after a passerby found her unconscious outside it.

Her killer Simon Ghebremedhin, 34, of Streatham High Road, was also there, with a knife injury to his abdomen. Marjama and Ghebremedhin knew each other.

On the day of the murder, Ghebremedhin went to Marjama’s and they had an argument. Ghebremedhin was caught on CCTV lashing out violently, smashing his own phone and banging loudly on the door.

Marjama let him into the property, where he then stabbed her. She was able to escape the flat, before collapsing outside.

Ghebremedhin had said he’d acted in self-defence after being attacked with a knife. But footage didn’t show him get injured – it’s thought he’d hurt himself to claim self defence.

However, after reviewing CCTV footage of the incident, investigators established that he had not shown any signs of injury in the immediate aftermath of the stabbing. After following Marjama out of the property, Ghebremedhin went back inside, where it is believed he injured himself.

Ghebremedhin was hit with a minimum of 19 years earlier today (Tuesday, April 14).

DI Aytac Necati said: “Our thoughts today are with Marjama’s family and friends. The evidence presented at trial was graphic and highly distressing, which meant Marjama’s loved ones were subjected to further torment and anguish.

“Ghebremedhin is a particularly devious killer, who went to great lengths to deceive police and the court. Thankfully, diligent detective work has exposed him as a liar.

“The Met is committed to protecting the public from harm – with violence against women and girls a particular focus of our New Met for London strategy. The successful prosecution in this case illustrates this commitment.

“We’ll continue to do everything in our power to take the most dangerous and prolific perpetrators off our streets.”

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