A man who fatally stabbed his friend during an argument over money has been sentenced to life in prison. Fawaz Abdulkareem, 36, attacked Daniel Manuel with a kitchen knife in a flat in Vauxhall, South London, on July 5, 2025, after the two returned from a nightclub.
Attack and Attempt to Conceal Evidence
Abdulkareem stabbed Manuel three times during a dispute about a debt. He then left the flat, hiding the knife in his waistband and using a t-shirt to disguise it as he reported Manuel's injuries to staff in the lobby. When he realized emergency services were on their way, he threw the blade from the 14th-floor window.
Police arrived within six minutes of the 5.38am 999 call, but Manuel died at the scene despite efforts from officers, doctors, and paramedics.
Arrest and Conviction
Abdulkareem was arrested after officers noticed Manuel's blood on his clothing. He claimed self-defense, but evidence showed Manuel was likely stabbed while his back was turned. Abdulkareem was convicted of murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place. On June 5, he was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 17 years at Croydon Crown Court.
Statements from Police and Family
Detective Inspector Luke Hampton of the Met Police said: 'Daniel was murdered in a moment of extreme violence by a man he thought was his friend. Abdulkareem tried to deceive police, recklessly throwing the murder weapon from the window of the 14th floor and cruelly claiming it was Daniel who had attacked him. Met detectives saw through his lies and worked hard to secure a conviction.'
Daniel's wife, Zulal, said: 'Daniel was not just my husband, he was my partner, my home, my emotional safety and the person I built my entire life around. Losing him in such a violent and sudden way has completely shattered my world.'
