Clapham man who stabbed wife more than 60 times is jailed for her manslaughter

Mark Alexander
Met Police
John Dunne @jhdunne30 May 2022
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A man who killed his partner at their home in Clapham after stabbing her more than 60 times has been jailed for 15 years.

Mark Alexander, 29, formerly of Clapham Road, had admitted manslaughter on ground of diminished responsibility after knifing Azaria Williams causing fatal wounds, the Old Bailey heard.

He was sentenced at the court on Friday for the attack at the couple’s south London homes on 27 December 2020.

A post morem examination found that Ms Williams, 26, had been stabbed 63 times in a frenzied attack.

Police were called at 9.10pm to the couple’s home in Clapham Road after after a neighbour heard screaming.

Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command began a murder investigation and Alexander was arrested at the scene. He was taken into custody and questioned about his involvement in Azaria’s death.

He told officers his partner had been stabbed by another man who he believed she was having an affair with and denied being with her when the attack happened.

Azaria Williams was killed by her partner in Clapham
Met Police

However, officers carried out a search of the property and found two knives that were covered in blood. Alexander’s DNA was found on both weapons.

The pair were also caught on CCTV together at a nearby shop around 30 minutes before the attack happened.

The evidence officers collected proved Alexander lied about another man being involved and he was the person responsible for the attack. He was charged and remanded in custody.

Detective Sergeant Jason Crinnion, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “This was a vicious act of violence on a defenceless woman who had the rest of her life ahead of her. My thoughts remain with her family and friends as they continue to come to terms with her death.

“We are committed to making London a safer place for women and girls. Our thorough investigation has resulted in a dangerous man being convicted and this means he will no longer pose a danger to other women.”

For support and advice contact the charity Refuge or call the free National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. In an emergency, always call 999.

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