A young man with a fascination for violent videos, known as a “gore video fanatic,” has been detained indefinitely after fatally stabbing a grandmother at a bus stop in London. Jala Debella, aged 24, carried out a brutal attack on 66-year-old Anita Mukhey, stabbing her 18 times with a hunting knife on May 9, 2024, as she waited for a bus in north London. The shocking incident unfolded in broad daylight, witnessed by several bystanders who saw Debella calmly walking away after the assault.
Despite efforts from passersby to assist Ms. Mukhey, she tragically succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. At a court hearing at the Old Bailey, Debella received a hospital order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act and a restriction order under Section 41, allowing for his indefinite detention.
During the trial, it was revealed that Debella, residing in a mental health support facility in Colindale, North West London, had a keen interest in violent online videos featuring graphic content involving knives and other weapons. Prior to the attack, he purchased a hunting knife online and engaged in online searches related to violent content.
CCTV footage captured Debella walking to the scene of the crime and fleeing after the fatal stabbing. Witnesses reported hearing a high-pitched scream followed by Ms. Mukhey collapsing on the road. Despite immediate medical and police intervention, she could not be saved.
Further investigation revealed DNA evidence linking Debella to the murder weapon, which resembled the knife he had purchased online. Following his arrest, Debella remained silent during police questioning and faced charges of murder and possession of an offensive weapon.
In a statement read in court, Ms. Mukhey’s husband described her as the pillar of their family, expressing the irreplaceable void left by her absence. The family acknowledged the challenges posed by the disconnect between Debella’s escalating behavior and his mental health assessments, raising concerns about risk assessment protocols.
The court also heard that Debella had a history of mental health admissions and was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. Dr. Melanie Higgins confirmed his continued admission at a secure hospital in Merseyside for treatment. Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila expressed condolences to the victim’s family and gratitude to those who tried to assist Ms. Mukhey and provided crucial evidence in the case.