Key Points
- Dante Forrest, 36, was found guilty of murdering Marvin Dickson, 40, at the Old Bailey on 13 November 2025.
- Marvin’s decomposed body was discovered in a bathtub inside a flat in Moselle Avenue, Haringey.
- Police investigation identified multiple injuries on Marvin, including fractures and stab wounds.
- DNA evidence linked Forrest to the crime scene, with Marvin’s blood found on a pizza box and a shirt.
- CCTV footage showed Forrest wearing Marvin’s distinctive trainers days after Marvin’s death.
- Forrest was arrested on 25 September 2024 and will be sentenced on 18 November 2025.
- Marvin’s family expressed gratitude for justice but mourned the loss.
- Detective Inspector Mark Johnson praised the family’s strength and hopes the conviction brings closure.
What happened in the murder case of Marvin Dickson in north London?
As reported by the BBC and The Guardian, Marvin Dickson, a 40-year-old man, was found dead in a bathtub inside his flat on Moselle Avenue, Haringey. Police were alerted by neighbours on 20 September 2024 after a strong odour was detected coming from the padlocked and darkened property.
Officers forced their way into the flat and found Marvin’s decomposed body. Detective Inspector Mark Johnson, who led the investigation, stated that Marvin had likely been deceased for around ten days before discovery. A post-mortem examination revealed multiple injuries, including fractures and stab wounds, confirming the violent nature of the death.
Who was convicted for Marvin Dickson’s murder and what evidence linked him to the crime?
Dante Forrest, 36, residing on Moselle Avenue, was convicted of the murder at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 13 November 2025. According to ITV News and Sky News, the conviction was secured on compelling forensic and CCTV evidence.
DNA tests matched blood found on a pizza box inside the flat as well as on a shirt linked to Forrest, directly tying him to Marvin and the crime scene. Crucially, extensive CCTV footage showed Forrest wearing a pair of trainers belonging to Marvin in the days following the murder. The trainers, described as purple, blue, and white, were distinctive but could not be recovered by police despite their identification on footage from the day before police attended the scene.
Forrest was arrested on 25 September 2024, five days after the body was discovered, and charged with murder.
What have Marvin Dickson’s family said about the conviction?
Marvin’s family released a heartfelt statement to The Evening Standard, expressing both relief and enduring grief. They said:
“On behalf of our family, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in this case. While we are grateful that justice has been delivered, and that the person responsible for Marvin’s death has been held accountable, no verdict can ever bring him back or ease the sadness we carry every day. Marvin will forever be loved, missed, and remembered.”
Their message reflects the complex emotions faced by families who lose loved ones to violent crimes, illustrating both gratitude for legal justice and the painful reality of their loss.
How did police describe the investigation and what is next for the convicted man?
Detective Inspector Mark Johnson spoke to the press, including the Evening Standard, highlighting the diligence of his team and the resilience of Marvin’s family. Johnson said:
“Today’s conviction will hopefully bring a small amount of closure to Marvin’s family. My thoughts remain with his loved ones as justice is finally served, they have shown immense strength throughout this investigation.”
Following the conviction, Dante Forrest is set to be sentenced on Tuesday, 18 November 2025. The court proceedings will determine the length and nature of his punishment.
