CCTV and key witnesses play part in conviction for Brent manslaughter

A 21-year-old man has been found guilty of manslaughter following a Met investigation that harnessed hours of CCTV footage and witness accounts to secure a conviction.

On Friday, 17 April, William Amadi, 21 (30.08.2004) of Hermes Close, Barnet was convicted of manslaughter following a trial at Southwark Crown Court.

The victim, Ali Faris Muhammed, died from a single stab wound in a north London street on Sunday, 18 May 2025. He was aged 26.

Both Ali and Amadi were at a bustling shisha bar in Brent when a verbal altercation started inside between the groups.

The heated discussion appeared to diffuse as security told everyone involved to leave the venue, however, it turned into a physical brawl when both groups crossed paths outside.

Ali and Amadi were caught fighting on CCTV in Kingsbury Road, NW9, before Amadi delivered one fatal blow with his knife.

Amadi fled the scene immediately, leaving Ali laying in the street. Within minutes Ali was rushed to hospital by his friends, but he was sadly pronounced dead an hour after arrival.

The investigation

In the days following the fatal incident, detectives worked at pace to gather and comb through reams of CCTV footage from the bar and neighbouring cameras.

Amadi was identifiable through his distinctive, shiny black jacket and New York Yankees cap, and police uncovered his name after hearing people on the footage shouting “Will, Will, Will!” throughout the evening.

He was arrested 72 hours later, on Thursday, 22 May as he got into a cab near to his home. He had been avoiding being out in public and had phoned in sick to work every day following the attack, in an attempt to keep a low profile.

A key witness corroborated that Amadi was present at the scene, and confirmed he was armed with a knife. Amadi then went on to plea guilty to possessing an offensive weapon ahead of the trial.

Detectives used data on Amadi's bank card to place him at the bar – confirming he was at the venue - and forensics stated that Ali’s DNA was found on Amadi’s cap.

Detective Chief Inspector Allam Bhangoo, who lead this investigation, said: “Ali was a much-loved son, brother and friend. His loss has had a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. Today’s verdict cannot bring him back, but I hope it provides a measure of justice for his family.

“Although we have significantly reduced the capital’s homicide rate, and continue to solve around 95 per cent of investigations, this case is a stark reminder of the reality of serious violence. In a moment, a life can be taken, and others changed forever.

“As a Londoner, I know how incidents like this affect our communities. That is why securing justice for Ali, and his family, has been so important.

“Our message remains clear - carrying a knife puts lives at risk, and we continue to pursue those who bring violence onto our streets.”

Amadi will be sentenced at Harrow Crown Court on Friday, 8 May.