CROYDON MAN GUILTY OF OVER 50 STABBING KILL OF PARTNER

A man named David Xavier has been found guilty of murdering his partner, Andreia Guilherme, by stabbing her over 50 times in a jealous rage. The attack occurred at their home in Croydon, south London, on the evening of December 11, 2020. Prosecutor Paul Raudnitz KC reported that the relationship had deteriorated following the birth of Ms Guilherme's child, and by the time of her death, she had attempted to end the relationship. Xavier reacted with increasing jealousy and anger to her rejection. On the night of her murder, Ms Guilherme sent messages to friends and family, revealing her fear as Xavier escalated his threats, including recordings of heated exchanges where he accused her in Portuguese of being involved with other men. She also sent text messages indicating Xavier had pointed a knife at her, with her last communication being an audio clip of her crying and accusing him of being crazy and coming after her with a knife. The attack was frenzied, with Ms Guilherme sustaining over 50 stab wounds to her front and back, some with such force that internal organs were damaged and knife marks were seen on her ribs' bones and cartilage. She had also inflicted cuts on her hand while trying to defend herself. Less than three minutes after her final message, Xavier called his sister to admit she was dead. When her relatives arrived at the flat, they found Xavier covered in blood, holding a knife, with her lifeless body lying on the floor. She was declared dead at the scene. Xavier, who was inebriated but not so intoxicated as to lack the intent to kill, was remanded into custody after being convicted at the Old Bailey. He is scheduled for sentencing on the following Friday.