Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Wednesday 9th April 2025 at 19:40hrs
A 20-year-old man has been convicted of the murder of a mother who was stabbed in front of her three-year-old daughter at last year’s Notting Hill Carnival.
Shakeil Thibou, of Masbro’ Road, Hammersmith and Fulham, was found guilty on Wednesday, April 9th at the Old Bailey of murdering 32-year-old Cher Maximen.
He was also convicted of attempted GBH with intent and possession of an offensive weapon.
Cher Maximen was enjoying the Carnival on Sunday, August 25th, 2024, with friends and her young daughter just off the main parade route in Golborne Road when she became caught up in a fight involving several men.
She was stabbed during the altercation and tragically died in hospital six days later.
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, expressed his condolences to the victim’s family.
“My heart goes out to Cher’s family and friends. She was a loving mother who went to Notting Hill Carnival to enjoy what should have been a carefree day in the company of friends and her young daughter. Her life was ended in the most senseless way.”
He added, “In stark contrast, Shakeil Thibou went to Carnival not to be part of the celebration, but to engage in violence.
Why else would he have arrived armed with a large knife and seeking confrontation?”
The court heard that Cher was with her daughter and friends when a fight erupted in the crowd shortly before 6:00 pm.
CCTV footage shown during the trial captured Thibou attempting to stab another man.
Cher was knocked to the ground in the melee and grabbed onto Thibou’s coat as she tried to stand. In a desperate attempt to protect herself and her daughter, she kicked out and was fatally stabbed in the groin.
Police officers and paramedics rushed to Cher’s aid, but despite their efforts, she succumbed to her injuries on Saturday, August 31st.
Cher’s grandmother, Vyleen Maximen, shared a poignant tribute:
“Cher, my first born grandchild, my friend. I held you in my arms when you were born. 32 years of loving, of laughing, playing, crying and holidaying with you. I will no longer have that pleasure ever again.
Not seeing you get married or have more children. Life will never be the same. Ever. We just have to live life, the best that we can and I will raise your daughter Cher, until my last breath. I will never hear your key opening my front door and shouting ‘Hello Nanny’.”
TJ Jacobs, a relative of Cher and godmother to her daughter, described her as “pure magic – radiant, loving, passionate, and kind.” She highlighted Cher’s dedication as a mother, stating that her four-year-old daughter “was her everything – her reason, her drive, and now her legacy.”
The investigation revealed that moments before Cher was stabbed, Thibou’s brothers, Sheldon Thibou, 25, and Shaeim Thibou, 22, along with an unidentified male, were involved in a fight with another man. Sheldon was seen wielding an illegal stun gun, and both brothers assaulted a police officer who tried to intervene.
The three brothers and an associate fled the scene. However, CCTV footage captured Shakeil changing his outer clothing with an associate as he calmly left the Carnival area.
Following the incident, a significant manhunt was launched. Shakeil was found hiding under a sleeping bag at an address in west London on Tuesday, August 27th.
His jacket, which had come off during the struggle, was found at the scene and forensic testing revealed a DNA match with a 1 in a billion probability.
Sheldon Thibou was found guilty of violent disorder and had previously pleaded guilty to possession of an illegal stun gun.
Sheldon and Shaeim Thibou were both found guilty of assaulting an emergency worker.
DCI Gammampila commended the investigation team for their “diligent and tireless” work in securing justice for Cher’s family.
TJ Jacobs also paid tribute to the efforts of the emergency responders, medical professionals, and the police and prosecution teams who supported the family throughout the ordeal.
She further called on the government to urgently address the root causes of knife crime. “This is not just about reducing crime; it’s about saving lives, restoring hope, and building safer, stronger communities.”
Shakeil Thibou and Shaeim Thibou are due to be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, May 16th.
Sheldon Thibou will be sentenced at a later date.
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