Man Accused of Fatal Assault on Deaf Woman Claims He Prayed for Her Survival
In a harrowing trial at the Old Bailey, Duane Owusu, a 36-year-old man accused of killing a deaf theatre worker, testified that he got on his knees and prayed for her well-being after the violent incident. Owusu, known by the nickname 'Nasty', is facing charges of murder and manslaughter in connection with the death of Zahwa Mukhtar, a 27-year-old finance assistant at the Young Vic Theatre in Waterloo.
Details of the Fatal Night in East London
The court heard that on August 16 last year, Owusu had been attending a rave when he and his group invited Ms Mukhtar into their already overcrowded vehicle. According to prosecutors, the situation escalated when Ms Mukhtar began arguing with other passengers and recording videos inside the car. In response, Owusu allegedly demanded the driver stop the car on Chadwell Heath Lane in Romford, east London, and forcibly ejected Ms Mukhtar onto the pavement.
Jurors were told that Owusu then kicked Ms Mukhtar twice in the face and punched her as she attempted to stand, causing her to fall and sustain a fatal skull fracture. The entire altercation was captured by surveillance cameras outside a local care home, providing crucial evidence for the prosecution. Ms Mukhtar, who was born and lived in Hackney, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Owusu's Emotional Testimony and Aftermath
During his testimony, Owusu insisted he did not intend to harm Ms Mukhtar. He described how, after driving away and leaving her behind, he received a phone call from a neighbor informing him of heavy police presence in the area. Initially, Owusu believed the authorities were investigating another resident, but a subsequent call revealed they were looking into an incident on Chadwell Heath Lane.
"I definitely connected the dots then," Owusu stated. "I didn't think she was seriously hurt, but then I started thinking in my head, there are a lot of people, so it must be something serious." He admitted to contacting his solicitor out of concern, though he claimed he had not fully grasped the severity of the situation at that point.
Owusu recounted his growing anxiety, saying, "I was just trying to recollect when I pushed her, did she hurt herself, and we'd just left her there. I was just trying to hope it's nothing too serious." He expressed fears that Ms Mukhtar might have succumbed to exposure or other complications, leading him to physically kneel and pray for her safety. "I believed she had maybe passed away at this point," he added.
Defense Arguments and Ongoing Trial
Following the incident, Owusu reported feeling overwhelmed by depression and fear, causing him to sleep through the entire next day. He attributed this to a combination of alcohol consumption and the stress of the event. The following day, he was arrested on suspicion of murder.
In court, Michael Borrelli, KC, defending Owusu, directly asked his client if he had deliberately hurt Ms Mukhtar during the altercation outside the car. Owusu firmly replied, "No." The defense is likely to argue that the actions were not premeditated, focusing on the manslaughter charge as an alternative to murder.
Owusu, a resident of Dagenham, has pleaded not guilty to both charges. The trial continues as the jury examines the evidence, including the CCTV footage and witness testimonies, to determine the circumstances surrounding Ms Mukhtar's tragic death. The case has drawn significant attention due to the victim's disability and the brutal nature of the alleged assault, highlighting broader issues of violence and accountability in London.
