Deepak Sandhu, 23, was found guilty of murdering Xiaoqing Ke, 39, at the Old Bailey on Thursday, October 15, following an attack in an Earls Court Airbnb. Sandhu had become fixated on his ex-girlfriend after she ended their brief relationship, and he travelled from Southampton to London with a knife to carry out the killing.
Relationship breakdown and threats
The court heard that Sandhu and Xiaoqing, who was from China, met in early 2025 while she was working at a brothel. They had "something of a relationship" and stayed in contact after Xiaoqing moved from Southampton to London. However, the relationship broke down when Xiaoqing discovered that Sandhu had been stealing from her and lying.
A Met Police investigation uncovered messages showing that Sandhu became increasingly angry after being found out. In the days before the attack, he discussed taking revenge in a message to a friend and predicted in a text that he would 'become evil'.
The murder and investigation
On December 9, 2025, Sandhu travelled to Old Brompton Road in Earls Court from Southampton with a knife after arranging to meet Xiaoqing. He attempted to conceal his identity before being let inside the Airbnb where she was staying, and then stabbed her. Police found Xiaoqing dead inside the property with multiple stab wounds.
A murder investigation was launched, and officers gathered evidence including mobile phones and clothing. Analysis of blood taken from the scene matched Sandhu, and he was identified as a main suspect. Messages between Xiaoqing and Sandhu were also uncovered.
Arrest and conviction
About 90 minutes after arriving at the Airbnb, Sandhu began efforts to flee the country. He falsely claimed to a family member that another man killed Xiaoqing while he was there, and he booked a flight to Mumbai. Officers located Sandhu and arrested him on December 12 after he was stopped and cautioned on board a coach on the way to the airport.
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, who led the investigation, said: "Xiaoqing's family have been through an unimaginably painful time, and our thoughts remain with them. Our team uncovered vital evidence which showed Sandhu had become fixated on Xiaoqing and had subjected her to a tirade of controlling and abusive messages before ultimately deciding to end her life.
"Xiaoqing should never have had to endure what happened to her either in the months before her death or in the final moments of her life. Tackling violence against women and girls remains one of our key priorities, and we will do everything to identify those who carry out these offences and bring them to justice."
Sandhu will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, October 16.
