Six men have been charged with perverting the course of justice as police widen their investigation into the fatal stabbing of Blue Stevens outside a London casino last summer. Meanwhile, officers are still seeking a 25-year-old suspect in connection with the killing, the Metropolitan Police confirmed.
Stevens, a father of two, was attacked and killed outside The Park Tower Casino in Knightsbridge, one of London’s wealthiest neighbourhoods, in front of his partner.
Initial reports suggested Stevens was stabbed while confronting a masked individual allegedly attempting to steal his Rolex watch. However, investigators later stated they were keeping an open mind about the motive, noting the possibility that the killing may have been a targeted assault.
The six men charged, Adnan Hindawi, 25, Ali Hindawi, 24, Nicholas McCoy, 23, Mozahedul Alam, 26, Shafwan Meah, 20, and Jayden Clement-Bryan, 25, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, Feb. 9, according to the Met.
All six have been released on bail and are scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on Monday, March 9. None of them faces murder charges.
Detectives continue to search for Youssef Razak, 25, who police say is “wanted in connection with the murder.”
The Park Tower Casino, where rooms can cost £1,500 per night, sits just steps away from the world-famous Harrods department store.
On the evening of June 9, guests reported hearing shouting and sirens around 9:25 p.m. One witness described seeing a man lying on the pavement while paramedics worked to save him.
Police said Stevens was declared dead at the scene shortly after emergency responders arrived at approximately 9:30 p.m.
“We are very saddened by this incident that occurred on the street adjacent to our hotel. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family at this difficult time,” the spokesperson said.
Residents have voiced concerns about a perceived increase in criminals targeting individuals wearing or carrying luxury items in the area. A representative for the hotel emphasized that neither guests nor staff were involved in the incident.
The Metropolitan Police have renewed their appeal for information regarding Razak’s whereabouts and are urging anyone with relevant details to come forward.
“We continue to follow every possible line of enquiry as part of our investigation,” said Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Townsend, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, in a statement. “Our thoughts remain with Blue’s family, who continue to be supported by specialist officers.”