The devastated husband of a grandmother stabbed to death by a mentally ill knifeman at a bus stop has described how her tragic killing has 'left a silence that nothing can fill', as her attacker was detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act. Hari Mukhey, whose wife Anita was brutally murdered in broad daylight, has voiced profound criticism of the NHS handling of the perpetrator, who was not considered to pose a risk to the community prior to the fatal assault.
A Life Cut Short in North London
On the morning of May 9, 2024, at approximately 11.50am, the life of 66-year-old medical secretary Anita Mukhey was violently ended in front of horrified passers-by on Burnt Oak Broadway in north London. Jala Debella, a 24-year-old man with a history of mental illness, launched a frenzied attack, stabbing Mrs. Mukhey eighteen times before reportedly walking away 'casually' as bystanders rushed to administer aid. The grandmother, described as the heart of her family, succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
Family's Anguish and Systemic Failures
In an emotional statement following the legal proceedings, Hari Mukhey paid tribute to his wife, stating: 'Anita was the centre of our home. She was an organiser, a steady presence. She held everyone together without asking for recognition. Her absence has left a silence that nothing can fill. As her husband I live with that absence every day.' His grief is compounded by serious questions about the care and risk assessment of her killer.
Mr. Mukhey highlighted a critical disconnect, noting that Debella was assessed by consultant psychiatrists as psychologically stable and safe for community management, despite engaging in escalating dangerous behaviour. 'It leaves me wondering how risk is truly assessed,' he said. 'Words spoken in an assessment room did not reflect the reality of his true intentions.'
Court Proceedings and Disturbing Details
At a hearing at the Old Bailey, Judge Philip Katz KC sentenced Debella to a hospital order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act, with a restriction order under Section 41, meaning he can be detained indefinitely. Addressing an empty dock as Debella was not present, Judge Katz remarked: 'Anita Mukhey was the heart of the family. She was a wife, mother and grandmother, aged 66 when she was stabbed to death by a complete stranger on a busy main road in north London.'
The court heard deeply troubling evidence during a trial of issue, held after Debella was deemed unfit to stand trial for murder. It was revealed that:
- Debella suffered from paranoid schizophrenia and had been detained under the Mental Health Act on at least three prior occasions.
- He was obsessed with gory online videos, having searched for 'killing video' and viewed sickening footage of beheadings in the days leading to the attack.
- Despite living in a staffed, Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered mental health rehabilitation home in Colindale, he was able to purchase a 7.5-inch hunting knife online from knifewarehouse.co.uk.
- The weapon was delivered to his home approximately one hour before he used it to kill Mrs. Mukhey, an act that mirrored the extreme violence he had consumed digitally.
Investigative Findings and Regulatory Gaps
Forensic analysis confirmed the recovered knife contained DNA from both Debella and his victim. CCTV footage captured the defendant's movements on Edgware Road before the attack, with Mrs. Mukhey seen collapsing just thirty seconds later, prompting the first 999 call at 11.48am.
The family's statement raised serious questions about current risk assessment models and regulatory oversight. They questioned why someone under mental health care could acquire weapons online. Chris Badger, chief inspector of adult social care for the CQC, extended condolences but noted the services provided at Debella's home at the time 'did not fall into CQC's scope of regulation', limiting their ability to formally pursue the matter.
Judge Katz refrained from commenting on the 'safety of the regime' at the residential home but added: 'No doubt others will consider it, hopefully soon.' Dr. Melanie Higgins, Debella's medical consultant, confirmed arrangements for his continued admission at Ashworth High Secure Hospital in Merseyside.
Mr. Mukhey thanked the 'brave members of the public' who attempted to aid his wife, but emphasised that the trial had forced him to confront the 'deeply troubling' facts surrounding the psychological assessments of her killer. An inquest into Anita Mukhey's death has been opened and adjourned, as the family and community seek answers amidst their enduring grief.
