A man who murdered his wife in a brutal knife attack at their home in Perivale has been jailed for life.
Mugurel Nica, 51, was found guilty last month at Southwark Crown Court of killing his wife, Ana Maria Murariu, during a frenzied assault in the early hours of 28 February 2025 at their address on Jubilee Road, Perivale. He was sentenced today (1 October 2025) to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years.
Emergency services were called after a family member dialled 999 at 1.40am. Police officers arrived within minutes to find Ana Maria critically injured. They attempted CPR until paramedics reached the scene, but she died shortly afterwards from stab wounds. Nica was arrested at the house and charged with murder the following day.
Detective Inspector Richard Kempshall, who led the investigation, described Ana Maria as “a victim of appalling domestic violence”. He praised the couple’s four children for their “bravery and strength throughout the investigation and trial”, and expressed hope that the sentence would offer them some measure of justice.
DI Kempshall also commended the police officers who detained Nica and tried to save Ana Maria’s life, saying their “professionalism and courage” had been exemplary.
In his statement, he urged others living with domestic abuse to seek help: “It is our hope that anyone else suffering such violence may consider reaching out and asking for help when they hear of Ana Maria’s story.”
Support is available through police on 111, or in emergencies on 999.
