Thame man guilty of Manslaughter

TWO men have been convicted of murder following a trial at Oxford Crown Court, and a Thame accomplice guilty of Manslaugher.

Safeen Karimi, aged 28 of Hode Garth, Thame, was found not guilty of murder but guilty of one count of manslaughter by unanimous verdict. However, Welid Solomon, aged 26 of Field Avenue, Oxford was found guilty by unanimous verdict of one count of murder and one count of conspiring to pervert the course of justice. Michael Yemane, aged 20 of South Bridge Road, Oxford was found guilty by majority verdict of one count of murder.

Sasan Khalid, aged 20, of no fixed abode, was found not guilty by unanimous verdict of murder and acquitted.

The convictions relate to three incidents on Wednesday, February 27, 2019, which culminated in a fatal attack on Luciano Dos Santos Almeida, who was 22-years-old.

The first incident happened at 11.18pm when there was an altercation between Mr Almeida and Solomon and Yemane.

Following this fight, Solomon and Yemane sought the help of Karimi, and they set out in two cars in an attempt to find Mr Almeida.

After spotting him, they waited for Mr Almeida in Cowley Road at the junction of Southfield Road.

Just before 11.30pm, Mr Almeida was crossing Cowley Road towards Southfield Road and was deliberately struck by a Kia Picanto, which was being driven by Solomon.

Mr Almeida got up from this and ran off up Southfield Road, but was pursued and was subsequently stabbed multiple times in the head, back and buttocks, sustaining severe injuries.

Mr Almeida was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, but tragically, despite attempts over the following days to save his life, he passed away in hospital on the evening of 6 March and a murder investigation was subsequently launched.

Solomon, Yemane and Karimi are due to be sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on 8 November.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Blaik, of Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit, said: “This was a sustained, premeditated and vicious attack on Luciano Dos Santos Almeida.

“Not only was Mr Almeida struck deliberately by the vehicle driven by Solomon, but then, while attempting to make an escape, was set upon.

“He sustained severe stab wounds as a result of this vicious assault, which proved fatal, despite the efforts of medical professionals at the John Radcliffe to save his life.

“It was a horrific and meaningless attack, and from the outset, it was clear that there was a desire from the offenders to cause their victim serious harm.

“Mr Almeida had a young daughter and loving family. He did not deserve to die in such violent circumstances at the hands of Solomon, Yemane and Karimi.

“I would like to pay tribute to the courage, patience and support of Mr Almeida’s family.

“They have had to endure many months of anguish while this murder was investigated.

“They have conducted themselves with the utmost dignity throughout this ordeal, and while no sentence will bring Mr Almeida back, I hope that the conclusion of this case will, in time, bring them some closure.

“I would also like to thank my investigation team, the family liaison officers, the first response officers and the medical professionals who fought in vain to save Mr Almeida’s life.

“The dedicated work of my team has brought these violent men to justice, and they will now be off the streets and unable to cause harm and distress to anybody else.”