Decomposing Body Discovered in Boarded-Up Wood Green Home
A 40-year-old man was found dead in a bathtub in Wood Green, North London, after neighbours reported a nauseating smell emanating from the property. The Metropolitan Police forced entry into the address on Moselle Avenue on Friday, 20 September 2024.
The home was discovered in a state of darkness, having been deliberately boarded up and padlocked from the inside. Authorities estimated that Marvin Dickson had been deceased for approximately ten days before his body was discovered by officers.
Violent Attack and Crucial CCTV Evidence
A post-mortem examination later revealed the horrific extent of the violence. Marvin Dickson had suffered multiple injuries, including fractures to his head and face, as well as several stab wounds.
Detectives from the Met's Specialist Crime Unit began scouring hours of CCTV footage from the area. The investigation identified Dickson in the company of Dante Forrest, a 38-year-old also residing on Moselle Avenue, about ten days before the body was found. The final known image of Marvin Dickson showed him collecting a pizza.
Forensic evidence proved crucial in linking Forrest to the crime. DNA analysis connected him to bloodstains found on a shirt inside the address and on the very pizza box Dickson was seen carrying. Dante Forrest was arrested on suspicion of murder on Wednesday, 25 September, and subsequently charged.
Justice Served at the Old Bailey
Following a trial at the Old Bailey, Dante Forrest was sentenced to 22 years behind bars for murder.
In a heartfelt statement, Marvin Dickson's family expressed their gratitude to those involved in the case, stating: "While we are grateful that justice has been delivered, and that the person responsible for Marvin’s death has been held accountable, no verdict can ever bring him back or ease the sadness we carry every day. Marvin will forever be loved, missed, and remembered."
Detective Inspector Mark Johnson, who led the investigation, commented on the sentencing: "Today’s sentence will hopefully bring a small amount of closure to Marvin’s family. My thoughts remain with his loved ones as justice is finally served, they have shown immense strength throughout this investigation."
