Man gets life sentence for killing friend over debt in London

A man has been given a life sentence for killing another man in Vauxhall after a money argument. Jurors did not believe his claim of self-defence.

Fawaz Abdulkareem, 36, stabbed Daniel Manuel, 32, at a flat on Bondway in south London. Prosecutors said the fight started over a debt Abdulkareem owed.

On Saturday, the Metropolitan Police UK released a statement confirming the conviction.

Abdulkareem was found guilty of murder and having a knife in a public place at Croydon Crown Court on Thursday, 21 May.

He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 17 years on Friday, June 5, 2026.

Detectives quickly identified Abdulkareem as the attacker. They arrested him at the scene and charged him the next day.

Investigators said he tried to trick the police and get rid of the weapon by throwing it from a 14th-floor window.

Detective Inspector Luke Hampton, who led the case, said: "Daniel was murdered in a moment of extreme violence by a man he thought was his friend."

He continued: "Abdulkareem tried to deceive police, recklessly throwing the murder weapon from the window of the 14th floor of a tower block and cruelly claiming it was Daniel who had attacked him."

The officer stated: "Met detectives saw through his lies and worked hard to secure a conviction. Abdulkareem’s claims of self-defence were dismissed by the jury."

Daniel’s wife, Zulal, spoke about the pain of losing him. She said: "Daniel was not just my husband, he was my partner, my home, my emotional safety and the person I built my entire life around."

She added: "Losing him in such a violent and sudden way has completely shattered my world."

Zulal said: "This loss has affected every part of my life, emotionally, physically, financially and I am still trying to survive the aftermath of it."

Police reported that Daniel was found with three stab wounds in the lobby of the building. Officers were called at 05:38hrs and arrived within minutes to provide emergency aid. He was declared dead at the scene despite paramedics' efforts.

Investigators explained that the attack happened after a night out at a nightclub. The men returned to the flat, where the argument escalated.

Abdulkareem was convicted of murder and possession of a knife and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 17 years.

Detectives said evidence showed the victim was likely stabbed while his back was turned. This contradicted Abdulkareem’s claim that he acted in self-defence.