A man from Streatham has been convicted of murdering a woman in Croydon and then trying to cover it up with a self-inflicted wound in order to claim he acted in self-defence, writes Sinead Campbell…
Simon Ghebremedhin, 33, stabbed Marjama Osman, 26, to death inside her home on Frith Road, Croydon on Saturday, 31 May, 2025.
The jury at Inner London Crown Court found Ghebremedhin of Streatham High Road, SW16, guilty of murder on Monday 1 April.
Police officers were called to Marjama’s flat after a passerby found her lying unconscious outside the property. Ghebremedhin was also present with a knife injury to his abdomen, he was taken to hospital and subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder.
Ghebremedhin and Marjama were known to each other and Ghebremedhin visited Marjama’s flat on the day of the murder. CCTV footage obtained by investigators from the location showed the defendant smashing his own phone and banging the door. Marjama let him into the property, where he stabbed her. She escaped the flat, before collapsing outside.
Ghebremedhin claimed he had acted in self-defence after Marjama attacked him with a knife. However, investigators found no signs of injury in the immediate aftermath of the stabbing. CCTV footage shows that Ghebremedhin followed Marjama out of the property and then went back inside. It is assumed that he then injured himself in a bid to claim self-defence.
The jury were shown specialist evidence called in by officers which determined that the abdomen wound was likely to have been self-inflicted.
Ghebremedhin will be sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on Tuesday, 14 April.
Detective Inspector Aytac Necati, who led the Met’s investigation, said: “Our thoughts today are with Marjama’s family and friends. The evidence presented at trial was graphic and highly distressing, which meant Marjama’s loved ones were subjected to further torment and anguish.
Relatedarticles
“Ghebremedhin is a particularly devious killer, who went to great lengths to deceive police and the court. Thankfully, diligent detective work has exposed him as a liar.
“The Met is committed to protecting the public from harm – with violence against women and girls a particular focus of our New Met for London strategy. The successful prosecution in this case illustrates this commitment.
“We’ll continue to do everything in our power to take the most dangerous and prolific perpetrators off our streets.”
