Brutal Knife Attack Ends Young Yusuf’s Life in Seconds
William Haines, 18, and a 17-year-old from Hounslow have been convicted after a savage stabbing in Shepherds Bush. Haines was found guilty of murder and possession of blades, while his accomplice was convicted of manslaughter and carrying a knife. Sentencing dates are still pending.
Callous Attack Witnessed on Uxbridge Road
On 26 June 2019, Yusuf Mohamed, just 18 and from Hammersmith, was walking with friends along Uxbridge Road when Haines and the younger teen spotted him at a bus stop. Without warning, the pair crossed the street and Haines pulled out a large knife.
Yusuf’s friends fled, but he was unaware of the threat until it was too late. Haines stabbed him through the heart, while the 17-year-old joined in, stabbing Yusuf’s thigh as he desperately tried to crawl into a shop doorway for safety.
Chilling CCTV Shows Attackers’ Celebration
After fleeing, CCTV caught the attackers sharing a grim “fist bump” on Willow Vale. Emergency services arrived at 9.20pm, but Yusuf died at the scene less than an hour later.
A post-mortem revealed deep stab wounds: one pierced 20cm through Yusuf’s heart and another 13cm deep in his thigh. There was no known motive, no gang ties, no prior links between victim and attackers, and Yusuf was unarmed.
Police Hunt and Arrests Unravel Knife Crime Horror
- Detectives traced the suspects’ escape route through Wormholt Park.
- Police dog discovered a knife in bushes near the scene, later linked by DNA to the younger attacker and Yusuf.
- Four days later, a passerby’s dog found another knife sheath, tied by DNA to Haines and Yusuf.
- Both suspects were arrested days after the killing.
Initially denying involvement, 17-year-old pleaded guilty to manslaughter and knife possession but denied murder. Haines admitted being on CCTV but claimed he couldn’t recall stabbing Yusuf due to intoxication.
The jury rejected their excuses. Haines was convicted of murder; the younger teen was found guilty of manslaughter. Detective Chief Inspector Rob Pack slammed their “savage and callous” attack and the shocking celebration after taking a life.
“Both defendants clearly felt they could carry and use knives with impunity. That they congratulated themselves with a fist bump and smiles having so brutally taken a life is beyond comprehension.”
The conviction brings justice for Yusuf and his family, spotlighting the ongoing fight to end knife crime on London’s streets.
Originally published by UKNIP.
