A violent assault near Notting Hill Carnival in London, England resulted in the death of renowned chef Mussie Imnetu, 41.
Imnetu had worked under culinary legends such as Gordon Ramsay, Marcus Wareing, and Alain Ducasse. The attack, which was recorded on recently released CCTV footage, has led to public outrage and demands for justice as investigators are trying to uncover the circumstances that led to his death.
Born in Eritrea and brought up in Sweden, Imnetu was in London from Dubai, where he was the head chef at The Brasserie in The Arts Club Dubai. Known for his passion and creativity in the kitchen, he had worked at some of the most esteemed restaurants in the world. His life was tragically cut short on August 26, 2024, when he was assaulted near the Dr Power restaurant close to the Carnival. He succumbed to his injuries on August 30.
The CCTV footage, released on December 9, provides a disturbing record of the attack. Prosecutors claim that Omar Wilson, a 31-year-old charity worker, began the assault by headbutting Imnetu while he was talking with three individuals. When Imnetu came back to the scene shortly after the initial attack, Wilson is alleged to have initiated a second, more violent assault. Witnesses report that Wilson struck Imnetu with five powerful blows to the head, causing him to fall. Shockingly, Wilson is believed to have continued punching Imnetu even after he lost consciousness. Wilson, who worked at a London-based charity, had reportedly been involved in heated disputes with staff, further showcasing his unstable behavior.
The viciousness of the attack led to life-threatening brain injuries for Imnetu, including multiple brain bleeds and cardiac arrests. Initially, Wilson was charged with causing serious bodily harm, but the charges were elevated to murder following Imnetu’s death. Wilson has entered a not-guilty plea and is set to go on trial in February 2025. The death of Imnetu has sent ripples through the culinary industry. Known for his humility and commitment, he had been contemplating launching a new fine dining venture in Dubai. His untimely death has left his family, friends, and colleagues in a state of shock.
Imnetu’s life was marked by grit and resolve. Born in Eritrea, he moved to Sweden with his family as a child. At the time of his death, Imnetu was in London on a business trip, looking into a potential collaboration with a luxury dining establishment. He left The Arts Club in Mayfair at 1 p.m. on August 26, but his activities in the nine and a half hours prior to the attack remain unknown.
