Chelsea teenager Monroe jailed for life over fatal street stabbing

A 19-year-old man, Joshua Monroe, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 22 years for the fatal stabbing of 28-year-old Omarkafi Sahal during a fight in Chelsea.

Monroe, of Tadema Road, Chelsea, was convicted of murder on 7 August 2025, following a five-week trial at Isleworth Crown Court. He had earlier pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

The incident occurred at about 9 p.m. on 30 September 2024, when a brawl involving around ten men broke out at the World’s End Estate in SW10. Monroe stabbed Sahal during the altercation, leaving him critically injured.

Despite being rushed to hospital after receiving treatment from paramedics at the scene, Sahal died two weeks later from his injuries.

Monroe was arrested two days after the attack and initially charged with grievous bodily harm with intent. The charge was later upgraded to murder following Sahal’s death on 17 October 2024.

An extensive investigation by Metropolitan Police detectives, involving hours of CCTV review and forensic analysis, identified Monroe as the assailant. The footage revealed the moment he attacked Sahal during the group fight.

Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell of Specialist Crime South described the killing as a “senseless act of violence,” adding that the conviction reflected the hard work of officers who swiftly gathered crucial evidence.

“Our thoughts remain with Omarkafi Sahal’s family and loved ones,” Foxwell said. “We hope this sentence brings them some measure of comfort. Knife crime will never be tolerated in London, and we will continue to work tirelessly to remove dangerous offenders from our streets.”

In a statement, Sahal’s grieving family said the sentencing marked the closure of a painful chapter in their lives.

“We have always believed that ultimate justice belongs to Allah alone, and we place our trust in Him,” they said, adding that “This has been the most difficult year of our lives, but we are grateful for the support of our community.”

The Metropolitan Police reaffirmed its commitment to tackling knife crime and serious violence through sustained enforcement and community engagement efforts across London.