A man has been found guilty of the murder of Kidane Gebrehiwot who was fatally stabbed in Gloucester last year (2023).
A jury took just under five hours to return the verdict against Samwen Muiruri, aged 32 and of Trier Way in Gloucester.
Kidane Gebrehiwot, aged 55, suffered a single stab wound to his torso during the attack on Arthur Street in Gloucester at around 1am on Sunday 6 August 2023.
During the trial at Gloucester Crown Court, jurors heard how the two men, who had met each other on a previous occasion, had bumped in to each other by chance on the night.
CCTV footage secured as part of the investigation showed the men together on a number of streets before an argument took place on Eastgate Street.
Mr Gebrehiwot walked away and Muiruri walked to his home nearby. He picked up a knife and returned to confront Mr Gebrehiwot on the street outside his home. Muiruri stabbed him once to the chest, fatally wounding him.
Members of the public heard Muiruri, who was wearing a distinctive red and white Arsenal Football Club jacket, say “I am done with you now” before walking off.
Mr Gebrehiwot collapsed at the scene and despite the best efforts of passers-by and emergency responders, died from his injuries. The knife blade used in the stabbing had broken off from the handle. The handle was later found to have Muiruri’s DNA on it and the knife was one of a set found at his home.
Muiruri was arrested from his home address the following day. A jacket and trainers, which matched those seen in CCTV footage, were seized from his bedroom and were found to have Mr Gebrehiwot’s blood on them.
He had denied his involvement throughout and at the end of the two week trial the jury found Muiruri guilty of both murder and possession of a knife in a public place.
Detective Inspector Adam Stacey from the Major Crime Investigation Team said: “It has been just over 12 months since Kidane was cruelly killed, and this has been a difficult time for his family and close friends.
“Kidane was well known and well-loved in the community. He was described as being very caring and was affectionately known as ‘Uncle’.
“Muiruri on the other hand is a very angry and dangerous individual who has a propensity for extreme violence. His premeditated and cowardly act has robbed Kidane’s family of his life.
“I welcome the jury’s verdict and hope that Kidane’s loved ones can now find closure and continue with their lives, albeit without him.”
Samwen Muiruri has been remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court tomorrow (Thursday 29 August).
