Man convicted of murdering 'very caring' man

Samwen Muiruri denied his involvement throughout the two-week trial

A man has been convicted of murder after fatally stabbing another man during an attack.

It took a jury at Gloucester Crown Court just under five hours to find Samwen Muiruri, 32, of Trier Way, Gloucester, guilty of the murder of Kidane Gebrehiwot, 55.

Mr Gebrehiwot died after suffering a single stab wound to the chest during an attack on Arthur Street, Gloucester, at around 01:00 BST on 6 August last year.

The two men who had met previously, became involved in an argument after bumping into each other on the night of the incident.

CCTV footage secured by police showed the men together on a number of streets before an argument took place on Eastgate Street.

The two men separated, and Muiruri returned to his home nearby where he picked up a knife.

He then returned to the confront Mr Gebrehiwot on the street outside his home, where he stabbed him once to the chest.

Kidane Gebrehiwot was known as being "very caring", police said

The court heard how Muiruri, who was wearing a distinctive red and white Arsenal Football Club jacket, say “I am done with you now” before walking off.

Mr Gebrehiwot collapsed at the scene and despite the best efforts of passers-by and emergency responders, died from his injuries.

The force of the attack was such that the knife blade used in the stabbing had broken off from the handle.

The handle was later found to have Muiruri’s DNA on it and the knife was one of a set found at his home.

Muiruri was arrested from his home address the following day, and the jacket and trainers he was seen to be wearing in the CCTV footage were found to have Mr Gebrehiwot’s blood on them.

He denied his involvement in the incident throughout the two-week trial.

Victim 'well-known and well-loved'

Det Insp Adam Stacey from the Major Crime Investigation Team said: “It has been just over 12 months since Kidane was cruelly killed, and this has been a difficult time for his family and close friends.

“Kidane was well known and well-loved in the community. He was described as being very caring and was affectionately known as ‘Uncle’.

“Muiruri on the other hand is a very angry and dangerous individual who has a propensity for extreme violence. His premeditated and cowardly act has robbed Kidane’s family of his life.

“I welcome the jury’s verdict and hope that Kidane’s loved ones can now find closure and continue with their lives, albeit without him.”

Muiruri is due to be sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court on Thursday.