Amidu Koroma, aged 48, has been found guilty of murdering his wife, 46-year-old Mariam Kamara, and deliberately setting fire to their home in London in an attempt to cover up the crime. The verdict was delivered following a trial at the Old Bailey.
Koroma is due to be sentenced on Monday, 16 October.
Detective Chief Inspector Chris Wood described the case as a brutal act of violence against a woman. Koroma not only took Mariam’s life but also set their house ablaze, putting others at risk.
The incident occurred in the early hours of 24 January 2022, when police responded to a fire at the couple’s residence on Railton Road, SE24. Koroma and their son managed to escape the fire, but Mariam was found deceased in the top bedroom and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Koroma’s suspicious actions during the event raised concerns. He re-entered the burning house to retrieve clothes for his son but made no attempt to rescue his wife. Investigators discovered jerry cans filled with petrol in the loft and detected accelerants near Mariam’s body.
A post-mortem examination revealed that Mariam had suffered stab wounds to her neck and chest before the fire started. The absence of smoke inhalation indicated she was killed prior to the blaze being ignited. Forensic analysis confirmed the fire was started using petrol, contradicting Koroma’s claim that he could not reach the fire.
Blood matching Mariam’s was found on Koroma’s clothing, along with burn damage consistent with close contact with flames.
Detective Chief Inspector Wood stated that the Metropolitan Police remain dedicated to tackling violence against women. He said, “Mariam Kamara’s killer has been brought to justice.” He also extended sincere condolences to Mariam’s family and friends, particularly her son, who continues to receive support following this tragic event.
Originally published by UKNIP.
