Man sentenced to life for murder in Walthamstow

A man has been jailed for life after being convicted of murdering 42-year-old Oleg Sloboda in Walthamstow last year.

Beibit Baimolda, 34 (30.12.1986), of no fixed address, was found guilty of murder following a trial at Inner London Crown Court. He was sentenced on Thursday, 20 November to life with a minimum term of 18 years.

Detective Inspector Luke Hampton, who led the investigation, said: "Oleg leaves behind his son, sister and mother - our thoughts remain with them as they continue to come to terms with their loss.

“This was a brutal and senseless attack on a man in his own home. Yesterday's sentence reflects the gravity of Baimolda’s actions and the devastating impact they have had. It is our hope that the sentence provides a sense of justice for Oleg’s family. "

Baimolda’s sentencing follows an investigation by homicide detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command.

Police were called at around 21:00hrs on Monday, 6 May 2024 to reports of a disturbance at a property in Cranston Gardens, Chingford.

Officers attended and gained entry to the address, where they found Oleg Sloboda lying on the floor of his bedroom with multiple stab wounds. Despite the efforts of officers and the London Ambulance Service, he died at the scene.

His Honour Judge Kelleher commended the first officers on scene for their swift actions and the efforts they made to treat Oleg.

A post-mortem examination confirmed Oleg had suffered 16 slash and stab wounds to his face and torso. A knife was recovered near the body.

Baimolda was arrested at the scene and charged on Wednesday, 8 May 2024 with murder.

Met detectives established that Baimolda and Oleg had spent the day socialising with others at the address. They later went to a local pub together before returning home.

At some point during the evening, Baimolda launched a violent attack on Oleg. He claimed throughout the investigation that he acted in self-defence. Baimolda declined to give evidence during the trial.

Specialist forensic work played a vital role in dismantling Baimolda's claim of self-defence. Blood pattern analysis and a detailed examination of the scene demonstrated that the assault occurred entirely within close proximity to where Oleg was found, with no evidence of a prolonged altercation. This was significant in undermining Baimolda’s assertion that he had been attacked by the victim.

On Friday, 10 October, a jury unanimously convicted Baimolda of murder.