1st September, 2024
A London mother of a 3-year-old daughter, Cher Maximen, who was stabbed at Notting Hill Carnival when she tried to intervene in a fight has died.
She died at the hospital on Saturday 31st August 2024 after serious efforts to save her life proved futile.
Cher Maximen was at Carnival with her three-year-old daughter and other family and friends on Sunday (August 25) when she was stabbed in the groin in broad daylight.
Ms Maximen, 32, was rushed to hospital in a life-threatening condition shortly before 6 pm. She suffered a cardiac arrest and was in a coma after losing 20 units of blood and one of her lungs collapsed. A court heard she could have had to have her leg amputated.
Recognising the seriousness of her injuries, detectives from the Met Police’s Specialist Crime Command took on the investigation in the hours after Ms Maximen was stabbed, MyLondon, an online magazine reported.
On Tuesday morning they arrested Shakiel Thibou, 20 of Masbro Road. He was charged with attempted murder and appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday morning.
He was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, September 25. A Met Police spokesperson said in light of Ms Maximen’s death, the offence will be reviewed in conjunction with the Crown Prosecution Service.
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila of the Met’s Homicide Command, who leads the investigation, said: “My thoughts are with Cher’s loved ones as they come to terms with this terrible loss. They are being supported by specialist officers and we will make sure that support continues.
“Cher was at Carnival with her young child. We have been in close contact with our local authority partners and Cher’s family since soon after this incident to make sure the child is safe and looked after.”
Commander Charmain Brenyah, the Met’s spokesperson for Carnival, said: “The news of Cher’s tragic death is devastating for her family, the wider community and all those involved in delivering the Notting Hill Carnival. Carnival is about bringing people together in a positive celebration. That it has ended with the tragic loss of life, among other incidents of serious violence, will sadden everyone involved.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “It is heartbreaking that Cher Maximen and Mussie Imnetu have died after being attacked in separate incidents over the Bank Holiday weekend. My thoughts are with their families and friends at this truly terrible time.
“This violence is shocking, completely unacceptable and a betrayal of the values that Carnival was founded to celebrate. Thanks to the efforts of our hardworking police, a 20-year-old man and a 31-year-old man have already been charged. I urge anyone with any information to contact the police on 101 or you can anonymously contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
