London killer Forrest jailed for life after decomposed body found padlocked inside flat

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

A Haringey man has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 22 years for the brutal murder of 40-year-old Marvin Dickson, whose decomposed body was discovered in a bathtub inside a locked and darkened flat.

Dante Forrest, 36, of Moselle Avenue, was convicted at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 13 November, after a meticulous investigation in which Metropolitan Police detectives used DNA evidence, CCTV and forensic analysis to tie him unmistakably to the killing.

Police launched their investigation on 20 September, 2024, after neighbours reported a “foul smell” coming from the flat.

When officers arrived, they found the property boarded up, padlocked, and in total darkness. Forced entry revealed a grim scene: Marvin’s body lying in the bathtub, believed to have been there for around ten days.

Detectives found no signs of forced entry, suggesting the killer had access to the flat and attempted to seal it from the outside to stall discovery.

A post-mortem revealed Marvin had suffered multiple injuries, including head and facial fractures and several stab wounds.

Forrest’s downfall came through painstaking detective work. Officers recovered Marvin’s blood on a pizza box inside the flat. CCTV also showed Marvin and Forrest together ten days before the body was found, with Marvin collecting a pizza, the last sighting of him alive.

Further CCTV captured Forrest wearing distinctive purple, blue and white trainers on 19 September 2024, the day before police were called. They were the same trainers Marvin had been wearing during his final recorded outing. The trainers were never recovered.

Detectives also found blood stains on a shirt inside the flat, and DNA results placed Forrest firmly at the crime scene.

Forrest was arrested on suspicion of murder and formally charged on 25 September, 2024.

In a heartfelt statement to the Metropolitan Police, Marvin’s family said: “On behalf of our family, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in this case.

“While we are grateful that justice has been delivered, and that the person responsible for Marvin’s death has been held accountable, no verdict can ever bring him back or ease the sadness we carry every day.

“Marvin will forever be loved, missed, and remembered.”

Detective Inspector Mark Johnson, who led the investigation, said the sentencing offers a measure of resolution for Marvin’s grieving relatives.

“Today’s sentence will hopefully bring a small amount of closure to Marvin’s family. My thoughts remain with his loved ones as justice is finally served; they have shown immense strength throughout this investigation.”

Forrest will serve at least 22 years before he can be considered for release.