A man from Ealing has been jailed for life for murdering his partner in Hanwell after she pleaded with her mother to contact police because she feared for her safety.
Alvin Gitahi, 43, of Uxbridge Road, was sentenced to life imprisonment at Southwark Crown Court on Friday (23 October 2026), after being found guilty of murder on 6 August 2026. He must serve at least 21 years and three months.
Police were called to a property in Riverside Close, Hanwell, at about 3.15pm on 26 March 2024 after concerns were raised about a woman’s welfare. Officers and paramedics found 35-year-old Vivienne Baraka injured. She was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination found she had died from compression to the neck.
The investigation uncovered evidence of repeated abuse, including messages between Baraka and Gitahi. Neighbours told police they heard Baraka screaming before officers arrived.
In a statement, Vivienne’s family said: “We are grateful that justice has prevailed. Vivienne was very community-orientated and helped a lot of people during her life.
“She was taken from us far too soon. She was a very much-loved member of our family, and she is missed every day.
“Vivienne’s spirit lives on in her daughter. We would like to thank everyone who has supported us through this difficult time.”
