On August 26, 2024, 41-year-old, Mussie Imnetu was found unconscious near the site of the Notting Hill Carnival. Imnetu, a Swedish chef of Eritrean descent, who had trained under culinary giants like Gordon Ramsay, Marcus Wareing, and Alain Ducasse, was visiting London, England from his home in Dubai. He was the head chef at The Brasserie in The Arts Club Dubai.
The Metropolitan Police reported that Imnetu was found unresponsive around 11:22 PM near the carnival grounds. Immediate medical attention failed to stabilize him and his condition worsened. He was quickly rushed to a hospital where, after four days of battling severe head injuries, he passed away on August 30.
Imnetu’s colleagues and admirers have expressed their shock and sorrow. The Arts Club Dubai released a statement mourning him as a remarkable chef whose amiable nature made their kitchen a better place. They highlighted his passion for cooking, his ability to inspire his peers, and his gentle, kind nature. Beyond his culinary prowess, Imnetu was an ardent soccer enthusiast and often involved his eight-year-old son in his work, letting him sample his inventive dishes. The Arts Club community has expressed that they will deeply miss his diverse talents and personality.
Investigators have been meticulously reconstructing the events leading up to Imnetu’s assault, releasing CCTV footage showing him leaving The Arts Club in Mayfair just after 1 PM on the day he was attacked. He was seen in a blue T-shirt and black jeans, later buying a white baseball cap. Police records show that Imnetu arrived at the Dr Power restaurant on Queensway, West London, around 10:30 PM, less than an hour before he was found unconscious.
Omar Wilson, a 31-year-old charity worker and director, has been arrested in connection with the assault. Initially charged with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, the charges against him were elevated to murder following Imnetu’s death.
During a hearing on September 10, prosecutor Julian Winship informed the court that Wilson first headbutted Imnetu following an exchange between them near the carnival site. Winship added that around 70 seconds after the initial assault, Wilson punched Imnetu in the head five times. Even after Imnetu fell to the ground, Wilson continued his assault.
In the court proceedings, the prosecution described the extent of Imnetu’s injuries as “catastrophic brain injuries, including bleeds on the brain and multiple cardiac arrests.”
The motive behind the alleged attack is still unknown, and the police are seeking witnesses who might have seen Imnetu in the hours leading up to the assault.
Images of 16 potential witnesses have been released by the police. Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie stated that their investigation has been progressing rapidly, clarifying that the individuals in the photos are not suspects. He suggested that they may have been part of post-carnival festivities and may not be local residents, but they may hold key information for the investigation.
The unfortunate event, which took place during the festive period of the Notting Hill Carnival, has cast a pall over the usually vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture in London. The carnival organizers have offered their condolences and pledged their full cooperation with the ongoing police investigation.
Accused Omar Wilson remains in custody. A plea and trial preparation hearing is slated for November 25 at the Old Bailey court. A preliminary trial date, expected to span two weeks, has been scheduled for February 3, 2025.
