A man who stabbed to death a mother with a zombie knife in front of her three-year-old daughter at Notting Hill Carnival’s family day has been convicted of murder.

In a tragic case that has shocked the community, Shakeil Thibou, 20, has been found guilty of murdering 32-year-old Cher Maximen at the Notting Hill Carnival. The incident occurred on August 25 last year during what was meant to be a family-friendly event. Prosecutors cited the chaotic scene where Thibou used a 'zombie knife' to stab Maximen in the groin, fatally wounding her while her young daughter was nearby. The trial revealed that Thibou had also attempted to stab Adjei Isaac moments before attacking Maximen. After a lengthy deliberation, the jury convicted him and his brothers of violent disorder and assault against police officers who intervened during the melee. This incident exemplifies a broader problem of violence and knife crime in society, especially during public gatherings. The community has rallied around Maximen's family, expressing both sorrow and anger over the loss. Family members have spoken movingly of her life and the impact of her death on her young daughter, who now faces a future without her mother. Emma Currie from the Crown Prosecution Service highlighted the devastating consequences of knife crime, suggesting that it robs families of their futures. The family has also made a poignant call for systemic change to address the root causes of youth violence, indicating a desire for safer communities and preventive measures to curb knife crime. As this situation unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater awareness and action towards these issues that ultimately affect the fabric of society.