A man has been found guilty of murdering his partner at her home in Hanwell after she called her mother shortly before her death and said she was in danger.
Alvin Gitahi, 43, of Uxbridge Road, Ealing, was convicted of murdering 35-year-old Vivienne Baraka following a trial at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday (6 August).
Police were called to Riverside Close, Hanwell, at around 3.15pm on 26 March 2024 after concerns were raised for Vivienne’s welfare.
Officers and paramedics found her with injuries and she was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination found she had died from compression to the neck.
Gitahi was arrested at the address and detectives later uncovered messages between the couple which police said showed Vivienne had been subjected to repeated abusive behaviour.
Phone records showed that shortly before her death Vivienne called her mother and asked her to dial 999, telling her she was in danger and that Gitahi beat her “all the time”.
Neighbours also told investigators they heard a woman screaming before police arrived.
Gitahi was charged with murder in October 2025.
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.”
Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Denby, who led the investigation, said: “This is a devastating case where a young woman has been subject to ongoing violence in her own home, culminating in her tragic death.
“While no outcome can undo this loss, we hope today’s conviction brings her family and friends some measure of closure and reassurance that Gitahi has been held accountable for his actions.”
Gitahi is due to be sentenced at Southwark Crown Court during the week beginning 19 October.
