A man who head to the pub and later tried to change his appearance after a fatal stabbing near Kilburn High Road has been convicted of murder.
Police were called to a block of flats in Tollgate Gardens on December 19 at 9.41pm following reports of a knife attack.
Khalid Marchoud, 40, was found collapsed outside a flat on the ninth floor with a significant wound to his abdomen.
He was taken to St Mary’s Hospital but he was pronounced dead later that evening.
Leon Douglas, of Watford Way in Hendon, was found guilty of murder today (November 10) following a nine-day trial at Harrow Crown Court.
The 45-year-old arrived at the address to visit his former housemate and shouted through the letterbox.
After being let in, he was immediately aggressive and armed himself with a knife from the kitchen.
He began to fight with Khalid, who was unknown to him, before following him out of the property and stabbing him.
Douglas then ran to the second floor and threw the knife from a window before climbing onto the roof of the entrance building and jumping to the ground.
He then calmly made his way to Kilburn High Road.
CCTV showed him returning to a property where he changed his clothes and headed to a pub to spend the evening with friends.
In the following days, Douglas disposed of his clothes, shaved his beard and dyed his hair to avoid police.
He was eventually found on December 23 last year at an address in Cricklewood.
During his arrest he tried to escape by jumping out of a ground floor window at the rear of the property, but officers managed to detain and arrest him.
He was taken into custody and charged with murder on Christmas Eve.
Detective Inspector Sarah Philippe, who led the investigation, said: “This was a senseless and brutal act of violence which resulted in the tragic death of Khalid Marchoud.
“Our thoughts remain with Khalid's family and loved ones, who continue to live with the devastating consequences of Douglas’ actions.
“I would like to thank the witnesses who came forward and supported our investigation.
“Their assistance was invaluable in helping us build the case that secured this conviction.
“Today’s verdict reflects the strength of evidence presented to the court and demonstrates our determination to pursue those responsible for serious violence and bring them to justice.”
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