A man has been convicted of murdering a mother in front of her three-year-old daughter during a violent altercation at Notting Hill Carnival last summer.
Shakeil Thibou, 20, of Masbro’ Road, Hammersmith and Fulham, was found guilty at the Old Bailey today of the murder of Cher Maximen, 32, along with attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon.
Cher had been enjoying the carnival on Sunday, 25 August 2024, with her daughter and friends when she was caught in the middle of a fight just off the parade route on Golborne Road. In the chaos, she was stabbed in the groin, suffering a fatal 12cm wound. She died in hospital six days later, on Saturday, 31 August.
Tragic End to a Day Meant for Celebration
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said:
“Cher was a loving mother who went to Notting Hill Carnival to enjoy what should have been a carefree day. Her life was ended in the most senseless way.”
“In stark contrast, Shakeil Thibou arrived at Carnival armed with a knife and intent on violence. His reckless actions not only took Cher’s life but narrowly avoided killing another man.”
Thibou was also captured on CCTV trying to stab a man moments before turning on Cher. She had been knocked to the ground during the scuffle and grabbed onto Thibou’s coat as she tried to stand. In a desperate attempt to protect her daughter, she kicked out, and he responded by stabbing her.
Police officers rushed to provide emergency care until paramedics arrived. Despite their efforts, Cher could not be saved.
A Family Shattered by Loss
Cher’s grandmother, Vyleen Maximen, shared a heart-breaking statement following the verdict:
“Cher, my first born grandchild, my friend. I held you in my arms when you were born. Life will never be the same. Ever. I will raise your daughter until my last breath.”
TJ Jacobs, Cher’s relative and godmother to her daughter, described the loss as devastating:
“Cher was pure magic – radiant, loving, passionate and kind. Her smile lit up every room. She was a dedicated mother, sister, and friend. Her life was just beginning to blossom.”
“We are determined to ensure Cher’s daughter, now being raised by her great-grandmother and our family, receives the love and care she deserves.”
The family also issued a powerful call for action on knife crime, urging the government to address the systemic failures affecting young people and vulnerable communities.
The Investigation
Video evidence played a crucial role in the investigation and trial. CCTV and police body-worn footage showed Thibou trying to stab another man before turning on Cher. The footage also showed his brothers, Sheldon and Shaeim Thibou, and an unidentified associate engaged in a violent brawl.
Sheldon Thibou, 25, was seen wielding an illegal stun gun and was later convicted of violent disorder and possession of a prohibited weapon. He and Shaeim Thibou, 22, were both found guilty of assaulting an emergency worker after attacking an officer who tried to break up the fight.
Shakeil Thibou was tracked down during a manhunt and found hiding under a sleeping bag in west London on 27 August. Forensic evidence later confirmed his DNA on the jacket left at the scene, and he was seen calmly changing clothes to evade detection as he left the area.
Sentencing and Thanks
Shakeil and Shaeim Thibou will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, 16 May. Sheldon Thibou will be sentenced at a later date.
Cher’s family expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Metropolitan Police, Crown Prosecution Service, and their legal team for their dedication and support.
“Their efforts have been a source of comfort during this dark and painful time,” said TJ Jacobs. “We will never recover from this loss, but we will carry Cher’s legacy forward through her daughter.”
This devastating case is yet another reminder of the devastating impact of knife crime on families and communities across the UK.
