Man found guilty of murder of woman in Ealing

A man has been convicted of murdering his partner after a Met investigation revealed a pattern of abusive behaviour leading up to her death.

Alvin Gitahi, 43 (06.06.1982) of Uxbridge Road, Ealing, was found guilty of murder at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, 6 August.

It follows a tireless investigation by the Met following the death of Vivienne Baraka in Ealing in March 2024, which saw investigators seize and examine electronic devices to help build a strong case against Gitahi.

In a statement, Vivienne’s family said: “We are grateful that justice has prevailed. Vivienne was very community-orientated and helped a lot of people during her life.

“She was taken from us far too soon. She was a very much-loved member of our family, and she is missed every day.

“Vivienne’s spirit lives on in her daughter. We would like to thank everyone who has supported us through this difficult time.”

Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Denby, who led the investigation, said: “Our thoughts are with Vivienne's loved ones, who have lost a mother, daughter and a friend.

“This is a devastating case where a young woman has been subject to ongoing violence in her own home, culminating in her tragic death. While no outcome can undo this loss, we hope today's conviction brings her family and friends some measure of closure and reassurance that Gitahi has been held accountable for his actions.

“Our commitment to tackling violence against women and girls remains firm. We will continue to pursue offenders and work closely with partner agencies to prevent harm and support victims. We encourage anyone affected to seek help from the police or support services."

The investigation

At around 15:15hrs on Tuesday, 26 March 2024, police were called after concerns were raised for the welfare of a woman at an address in Riverside Close, Ealing.

Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and found 35-year-old Vivienne Baraka suffering injuries. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, she was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem examination showed Vivienne had died from compression to the neck.

Gitahi was arrested at the scene, and a murder investigation was launched, with officers gathering crucial evidence. Electronic devices were seized from the address, revealing messages between Vivienne and Gitahi which indicated that Vivienne was subject to repeated abusive behaviour – offering the investigative team an understanding of the level of Gitahi’s abuse.

Phone records also showed Vivienne rang her mother shortly before her death and told her to call 999, saying that she was in danger and Gitahi beat her all the time.

The investigative team also gathered key witness statements, including from neighbours, who told officers they could hear a woman screaming prior to police arrival.

Following these extensive enquiries, he was charged with murder on Wednesday, 8 October 2025.

Gitahi is due to be sentenced at Southwark Crown Court during the week commencing Monday, 19 October.

The Met has significantly strengthened its training and response to violence against women and girls (VAWG). More than 23,000 officers and staff have now received bespoke VAWG training, complemented by strengthened specialist victim support services, ensuring a consistent and trauma-informed response.

If you are looking for help or support, please visit the Women’s Aid support page or call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.