Steffon Hewitt, aged 51, of Blake’s Road, Peckham, has been convicted of the murder of his mother, 68-year-old Vanita Nowell, following a trial at Isleworth Crown Court.
The tragic events unfolded in March 2020, when emergency services were summoned to Hewitt’s residence in Peckham. Upon their arrival, Hewitt informed the call operator that he had discovered his mother unresponsive on the bathroom floor. Despite attempts at resuscitation, Nowell was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
Initially, Hewitt attributed his mother’s injuries to her declining health, particularly her dementia, claiming that she frequently fell. However, a thorough investigation by law enforcement revealed a disturbing truth.
Detective Constable Nick Stocking, a member of the investigative team, described the brutality of the attack inflicted upon Nowell. She suffered from 28 fresh rib fractures, six fractures of her spine, extensive bruising to her face, head, and body, as well as a traumatic brain injury. The severity and extent of these injuries painted a grim picture of the events leading to her death.
Despite Hewitt’s attempts to shift blame onto his mother’s health condition, forensic and medical evidence conclusively refuted his claims. It became clear that the injuries sustained by Nowell were not consistent with accidental falls but were indicative of a vicious and deliberate assault.
Hewitt’s lack of remorse and attempts to mislead authorities were evident throughout the investigation. His callous actions resulted in the painful and untimely demise of his own mother