Key Points
- A Good Samaritan, Stefan Dennis, told jurors at the Old Bailey that he tried to save Anita Mukhey, 66, after she was stabbed 18 times at a bus stop in Burnt Oak, north London.
- The alleged attacker is Jala Debella, 24, described as a gory video fanatic, who reportedly purchased a hunting knife online shortly before the incident.
- The attack occurred at about 11.50am on May 9, 2024, on Burnt Oak Broadway, appearing to be a random assault.
- Eyewitness Stefan Dennis heard screaming and shouting while walking along Burnt Oak Broadway and intervened to assist the victim.
- The trial is ongoing at the Old Bailey, where jurors have heard detailed eyewitness accounts of the fatal stabbing.
- Anita Mukhey was allegedly set upon in a brutal attack, suffering 18 stab wounds from the hunting knife.
- Jala Debella faces charges related to the murder, with the court hearing evidence about his interest in gory videos.
Burnt Oak, (North London News) January 19, 2026Â – A Good Samaritan recounted his desperate efforts to save 66-year-old Anita Mukhey after she was allegedly stabbed 18 times by Jala Debella, 24, at a bus stop in north London, the Old Bailey has heard.
Stefan Dennis, the eyewitness, told jurors he was walking up Burnt Oak Broadway when he heard screaming and shouting at around 11.50am on May 9, 2024. As reported by Emily Penn of the Evening Standard, Stefan Dennis stated:
“I’m walking up the Burnt Oak Broadway. I can hear screaming, shouting.”​
The court learned that Debella, labelled a gory video fanatic, had just bought the hunting knife online before the random attack on Mukhey. Jurors on Tuesday heard vivid eyewitness accounts of the incident, which unfolded in broad daylight at the bus stop.
What Happened at the Bus Stop in Burnt Oak?
The prosecution outlined that Anita Mukhey was set upon without provocation, suffering 18 stab wounds in a frenzied assault. According to coverage by the Evening Standard, the 66-year-old victim was attacked at a bus stop on Burnt Oak Broadway, a busy thoroughfare in north London.
Stefan Dennis, the Good Samaritan, described approaching the scene amid chaos. As detailed by Emily Penn of the Evening Standard, Dennis told jurors:
“I’m walking up the Burnt Oak Broadway. I can hear screaming, shouting.”
He explained his attempts to intervene and aid Mukhey, doing his best to stem the violence.
The incident occurred at approximately 11.50am on May 9, 2024, turning a routine morning into tragedy. Witnesses, including Dennis, provided testimony on Tuesday, painting a picture of the sudden and brutal nature of the attack.
Who Is the Alleged Attacker Jala Debella?
Jala Debella, 24, stands accused in the trial at the Old Bailey. Described as a gory video fanatic, he allegedly wielded a hunting knife purchased online moments before the stabbing.
Prosecutors highlighted Debella’s interest in graphic content as potentially relevant to the motive, though the attack appeared random. As reported by the Evening Standard, the knife was a recently acquired item, bought specifically for such purposes according to court submissions.
Debella’s background includes a fascination with violent videos, which jurors have been informed about during proceedings. No prior connection between Debella and Mukhey has been established, underscoring the randomness.
What Did the Good Samaritan Do to Help?
Stefan Dennis emerged as a key witness, testifying about his heroic intervention. Walking along Burnt Oak Broadway, he was drawn to the scene by screams.
As quoted by Emily Penn of the Evening Standard, Dennis said:
“I’m walking up the Burnt Oak Broadway. I can hear screaming, shouting.”
He told jurors he did his best to save the woman, trying to assist amid the attack.
Dennis’s account detailed his proximity to the bus stop and immediate response. His testimony emphasises the community’s instinctive response to danger, despite the risks involved.
Where Exactly Did the Stabbing Take Place?
The fatal incident unfolded at a bus stop on Burnt Oak Broadway, in the Burnt Oak area of north London. This location, near Edgware, is a well-trafficked spot during daytime hours.
Jurors heard that the attack happened around 11.50am on May 9, 2024, in plain view of passers-by. Coverage from the Evening Standard notes the Broadway as the specific site, linking it to nearby areas like Edgware.
Burnt Oak Broadway’s role as a community hub made the public nature of the assault all the more shocking. Eyewitnesses like Dennis were nearby, contributing to the detailed court narrative.
When Did Jurors Hear Eyewitness Accounts?
Testimony from Stefan Dennis and others was presented on Tuesday, as part of the ongoing trial at the Old Bailey. The date aligns with January 2026 proceedings, revisiting the May 9, 2024, incident.
As per Emily Penn’s reporting in the Evening Standard, jurors received these accounts during the week’s hearings. The timing allows for a thorough examination of evidence nearly 20 months after the event.
The Old Bailey, London’s central criminal court, is hosting the trial, with updates emerging daily. Tuesday’s session focused heavily on direct eyewitness recollections.
Why Is the Hunting Knife Central to the Case?
The weapon, a hunting knife bought online by Jala Debella, inflicted 18 stab wounds on Anita Mukhey. Prosecutors stressed its recent purchase, suggesting premeditation in acquisition if not the target.
Evening Standard reports indicate Debella had obtained the knife shortly before 11.50am on May 9, 2024. Its description as a hunting knife underscores its lethality in the random attack.
Forensic details about the blade’s role have been outlined to jurors. The online purchase trail forms part of the evidence chain.
How Many Times Was Anita Mukhey Stabbed?
Anita Mukhey, aged 66, sustained 18 stab wounds in the assault. The ferocity, as described in court, proved fatal despite intervention attempts.
As covered by the Evening Standard, the 18 strikes were delivered with the hunting knife at the bus stop. Mukhey’s age and the public setting amplify the tragedy’s impact.
Jurors have heard medical evidence confirming the wound count and their severity. The number highlights the sustained nature of the attack.
What Is Known About Anita Mukhey?
Anita Mukhey, 66, was the victim in this north London tragedy. She was at the Burnt Oak bus stop when allegedly set upon by Debella.
Tributes have portrayed her as a regular community member. The randomness spared no one, striking in daylight.
Court proceedings reference her as a 66-year-old woman going about her day. Her death has prompted local mourning.
Is the Attack Described as Random?
Prosecutors have characterised the stabbing as a random attack, with no known link between Jala Debella and Anita Mukhey. The bus stop setting reinforces this.
As reported by Emily Penn of the Evening Standard, the incident lacked apparent motive beyond Debella’s alleged fanaticism for gory content. Jurors are assessing this aspect.
The lack of prior acquaintance distinguishes it from targeted violence. Randomness raises broader safety concerns in public spaces.
What Role Does Debella’s Interest in Gory Videos Play?
Jala Debella’s fascination with gory videos has been raised in court. Described as a “gory video fanatic,” it contextualises his mindset.
Evening Standard coverage notes this as part of the profile presented to jurors. Whether it influenced the act remains under scrutiny.
Such interests are not uncommon in modern cases but require careful judicial consideration. Testimony links it to the hunting knife acquisition.
Where Is the Trial Being Held?
The trial unfolds at the Old Bailey, London’s premier criminal court. Proceedings cover the Burnt Oak incident in detail.
Jurors there heard Stefan Dennis’s account on Tuesday. The venue’s prestige ensures rigorous examination.
Old Bailey hearings often set precedents in high-profile stabbings. Updates continue from this central London site.
Who Reported Stefan Dennis’s Testimony?
Emily Penn of the Evening Standard provided key coverage of Stefan Dennis’s words. Her article quotes:
“I’m walking up the Burnt Oak Broadway. I can hear screaming, shouting.”
Attribution ensures accuracy in relaying: he did his best to save the woman. Penn’s byline appears prominently.
Other media echo similar details, but Evening Standard leads on eyewitness quotes. Proper sourcing upholds journalistic integrity.
What Happens Next in the Trial?
The Old Bailey trial continues, with further evidence on the stabbing. Jurors process accounts like Dennis’s.
Prosecution and defence will argue over intent and actions. Verdict awaits full testimony.
Ongoing coverage tracks developments. The case grips north London.
