Kamar Williams, 34, killed 53-year-old Derek Thomas outside his home on Benthal Road last summer.
He was convicted at the Old Bailey today (July 7) after being eventually caught at the Notting Hill Carnival.
The court heard how, in the early evening of July 30, 2024, Williams sent threatening text messages to Derek’s daughter, who was Williams’ ex-partner, warning her to “watch this space”.
Hours later, CCTV captured Williams driving a grey van along Benthal Road and stopping directly outside Derek’s home.
Williams was wearing a pair of reflective trainers which made him easily identifiable to police throughout the CCTV footage.
Williams was seen pacing along Benthal Road, loitering near Derek’s home, before disappearing out of shot. Moments later, he returned to his van and drove away just after 11pm.
A minute later, police received a 999 call from a member of the public that a man had been stabbed with a “very big knife”. (Image: Met Police)
Officers and the London Ambulance Service arrived, but, despite their best efforts, Derek died at the scene.
Following the conviction, Derek’s family said: “Derek will be greatly missed by his family and friends, he was a dedicated family man and worked hard to provide for them.
“He was the life and soul of the family.
“Derek was always on hand to provide support, knowledge, advice and was a calming influence when it was required.
“He was greatly loved by all and will never be forgotten.”
Detective Inspector John Marriott, who led the investigation, said: “This was a brutal and premeditated attack on a much-loved father. Kamar Williams showed clear intent that night, driving to Derek’s home, waiting for the right moment, and carrying out this senseless act of violence.
“The swift response from our officers, combined with extensive CCTV, forensic work, and determination from our investigation team, led to his arrest and conviction.
“Our thoughts remain with Derek’s family, who have shown immense strength throughout this ordeal.”
On August 1, 2024, police were contacted about an abandoned grey van on Langford Close in E8.
Inside, officers found a bank card belonging to Williams on the driver’s seat, directly linking him to the vehicle.
Analysis of the Automatic Number Plate Recognition system showed that the van had travelled multiple times between the crime scene and Williams’ home address.
Enquiries at a local hospital also revealed that Williams had sought treatment for a 5cm cut to his left knee on 31 July, the day after the murder, further linking him to the violent incident.
Williams is said by officers to have repeatedly tried to evade police.
On August 3, traffic officers tried to stop a silver BMW on Burnt Ash Hill, SE9, but the driver made off.
It was later established that Williams was behind the wheel.
In a further effort to avoid arrest, Williams left London temporarily. However, following a manhunt, officers identified and arrested him within the footprint of Notting Hill Carnival on August 26, 2024. He was charged with murder the following day.
Kamar Williams was also found guilty of possession of an offensive weapon.
He will be sentenced on July 18 at the same court.
