Essex Drug dealer jailed for life for stabbing near Finsbury Park
David Odunuga was linked to the murder by an abandoned vehicle at the scene
A drug dealer from Essex has been sentencing to life in prison, to serve a minimum of 27 years after a fatal stabbing in London, after being found guilty of murder and possession of an offensive weapon at the Old Bailey on Wednesday (April 2nd).
33-year-old David Odunuga, of Rollason Way, Brentwood, stabbed Brian Edwards three times after an argument near Finsbury Park on 19th September 2023.
Police were called around 4am when 53-year-old Brian was found injured outside his home in Tollington Park, dying a short time later.
Two friends where at the house throughout the night said how Brian had gone outside to meet a drug dealer, before hearing him shout for help.
They saw a man 'rummaging in a silver vehicle' then leaving the scene.
A silver BMW X5 was linked to Odunugu by false details and addresses, with a car key found to contain his DNA.
He was arrested at his Essex home on September 22nd, 2023, where a black balaclava and a large knife sheath were found inside another vehicle owned by Odunugu.
Detective Chief Inspector Lucy Carberry, who led the investigation, said: "This case is a stark reminder of the devastation drugs cause to communities across London. It should also act as a warning to those habitually carrying knives and engaging in serious violence that every effort will be made to identify and prosecute you, to ensure other families and communities do not have to feel the pain and loss that Brian’s family currently do.
“My thoughts are with Brian’s family today, I hope that the sentence passed down brings them a small measure of comfort. I want to thank Brian’s wife and children for the dignity shown throughout this difficult time.”