In a dramatic turn of events, a police search dog named Monty played a pivotal role in securing convictions for five men involved in the brutal murder of 30-year-old Olsi Kuka in Barnet. The case, which unfolded in a quiet residential area off High Road, N20, shocked the community and highlighted the relentless efforts of law enforcement to bring justice to victims.
The Gruesome Crime
Olsi Kuka was viciously attacked by a group of men who believed he possessed drugs and money. On the fateful night of May 11, 2022, the assailants forced their way into Olsi’s flat, stabbing him repeatedly. After ransacking the premises, they left him for dead. Despite the prompt response of emergency services, Olsi succumbed to his injuries shortly afterwards.
A post-mortem examination revealed that the stab wounds were inflicted by at least two different knives. Additionally, four metal ball bearings were found in his scalp, consistent with being shot by an air weapon. The violence was calculated and unrelenting, leaving investigators determined to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Role of Monty
Enter Monty, a highly trained police dog partnered with PC Neil Dobson. Monty’s keen nose and unwavering determination led him to a critical piece of evidence: £8,000 in cash hidden in the headboard of a bed. This hidden stash had eluded the group of attackers during their rampage through Olsi’s flat.
Monty’s discovery proved invaluable during the subsequent murder investigation. Homicide detectives from the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command used CCTV footage and mobile phone analysis to identify the five men responsible for Olsi’s death. The evidence gathered was compelling enough to bring them to trial.
The Convictions
After a five-week trial at the Old Bailey, justice prevailed. The following individuals were convicted for their roles in the crime:
- Daige Ramsey (25), residing on Winchester Road, E4, was found guilty of manslaughter.
- Santana Thompson (21), of Aldridge Way, Waltham Forest, also faced manslaughter charges and was convicted.
- Ozan Seran (28), with no fixed address, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the trial’s first day.
- Bulent Bakir (27), residing on Old Road, Enfield, was convicted of conspiracy to rob.
- Reuben Bernard (19), from Wootton, Northampton, faced murder charges and was found guilty after a separate trial in June 2023.
The sentencing for these individuals will take place at the Old Bailey on a later date yet to be confirmed.
A Grateful Detective
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Rawlinson, who led the investigation, praised Monty’s contribution: “The violence used in this attack was calculated, vicious, and unrelenting. The five men had planned to rob Olsi and were prepared to use any force necessary. We are thankful for the work of our police dog Monty, who was able to find vital evidence that helped secure a successful conviction.”
