A 22-year-old man has been remanded in custody after being charged with the murder of a 66-year-old Indian-origin woman at a bus stop in north-west London. Anita Mukhey, who worked part-time for the National Health Service (NHS) as a medical secretary, was waiting at the Burnt Oak Broadway bus stop in the Edgware area of London on May 9 when she was allegedly stabbed in the chest and neck by Jalal Debella. Mukhey was pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of emergency services. Debella was arrested later that day and charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon. He appeared at the Old Bailey Court in London on Tuesday and will enter his plea at the next hearing in the case scheduled for August.
The Metropolitan Police said they were called to the scene at around 11:50 am on May 9. Officers, the London Ambulance Service (LAS), and London’s Air Ambulance (HEMS) attended to Mukhey, but she died at the scene. Her family has been informed of her death.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) told the court that a preliminary cause of death was found to be sharp force injuries to the front of the chest and neck. Mukhey’s family said in a statement issued via the police that she was a married mother and grandmother devoted to her family. They asked for privacy at this difficult time.
According to reports, members of the public screamed and shouted at the suspect to stop during the attack. The incident has caused shockwaves across the community.
This horrific crime serves as a reminder of the dangers that women face in public spaces. It is essential that we work together to create a safer society for all.
