On August 26, 2024, Mussie Imnetu, a 41-year-old renowned chef who had previously worked with culinary giants like Gordon Ramsay, Marcus Wareing, and Alain Ducasse, was found unconscious near the Notting Hill Carnival in London, England. Imnetu, who hailed from Sweden but was born in Eritrea, was visiting from Dubai, where he was the head chef at The Brasserie in The Arts Club Dubai.
The Metropolitan Police reported that Imnetu was found unresponsive around 11:22 PM in the vicinity of the festival. Despite receiving immediate medical aid at the site, his condition quickly worsened. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he battled for his life for four days before succumbing to his injuries on August 30.
Investigators have been gathering information about Imnetu’s last hours, releasing CCTV footage that captured him leaving The Arts Club in Mayfair just after 1 PM on the day of the incident. Imnetu, who was wearing a blue T-shirt and black jeans, was seen purchasing a white baseball cap later that day. According to the police, Imnetu arrived at the Dr Power restaurant on Queensway, West London, around 10:30 PM, roughly an hour before he was found unconscious.
A 31-year-old charity worker and director, Omar Wilson, was arrested in relation to the incident. Initially charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, the charges were elevated to murder following Imnetu’s death.
During a court hearing on September 10, prosecutor Julian Winship relayed that Wilson initially headbutted Imnetu after an interaction near the carnival area. Winship mentioned that around 70 seconds after the first assault, Wilson punched Imnetu in the head five times and continued hitting him even after he had fallen to the ground.
In court, the prosecution outlined the severity of Imnetu’s injuries, which included “catastrophic brain injuries, including bleeds on the brain and multiple cardiac arrests.”
The motive for the alleged attack remains unknown, and the police are actively looking for witnesses who might have information about the chef’s activities leading up to the incident.
Imnetu’s death was met with shock and sorrow by his colleagues and fans. The Arts Club Dubai, where he worked, remembered him as an outstanding chef whose warm demeanor added a special touch to their kitchen. They highlighted his passion for cooking, his inspirational work ethic, and his gentle, kind nature. In addition to his professional prowess, Imnetu was known for his love of soccer and for involving his eight-year-old son in his work, often having him taste-test his inventive dishes. His absence will be deeply felt in the Arts Club community.
Police have released photographs of 16 potential witnesses whom they wish to question. Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie stated that their investigation is making rapid progress and clarified that these individuals are not suspected of any crimes. He suggested that they might have been partaking in post-carnival celebrations and may not be locals, yet they could hold valuable information for the investigation.
The incident, which occurred during the vibrant Notting Hill Carnival, has cast a pall over the typically jubilant celebration of Caribbean culture in London. The festival’s organizers expressed their condolences and vowed full cooperation with the ongoing police investigation.
Wilson remains in custody, with a plea and trial preparation hearing set for November 25 at the Old Bailey court. A tentative trial date, expected to last two weeks, has been established for February 3, 2025.
