Two killers who stabbed a man in the heart in an argument over booze outside a shop in Hounslow have been sentenced. Arpith Mandava died after being stabbed following an argument involving two groups of men in the early hours of October 14 2022.
An investigation was launched after Arpith was found seriously injured in Beavers Lane at around 12.40am. A short time earlier he had been stabbed in the heart and his left arm in Earl Haig Close He was taken to hospital where he sadly died on October 27 2022.
Detectives recovered CCTV from 71 cameras to establish the circumstances that resulted in him being attacked. They found that Arpith came to the area with friends to purchase alcohol. Two of his group had gone to a shop in Cavendish Parade to buy alcohol shortly after midnight.
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After leaving the shop, they walked past Arpith’s attackers, who took the alcohol from them. Arpith and his friends came to their aid and the two groups started arguing, this escalated into a disturbance however Arpith and his friends ultimately walked away.
Footage then showed Ivanov asking Kusins for a knife which he used to attack the pair. The defendants were then seen leaving the area in separate directions.
Ivanov was caught on CCTV attempting to enter a nearby petrol garage on Burns Way. He was seen putting his hand against the glass door and forensic scientists found his handprint on the glass.
On October 16 Ivanov then left the UK by Eurostar and travelled to Paris. He was arrested in France on 25 October and brought back to London. Kusins, who gave Ivanov the knife, was arrested on 22 October.
The two killers appeared at Kingston Crown Court on March 27 where Denis Ivanov was found guilty of murdering the 24-year-old and stabbing another man who was also injured in the attack and possession of an offensive weapon. A second man, Denis Kusins, was found guilty of manslaughter, actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon.
Detective Inspector Kevin Martin, who led the investigation, said: "This was a callous attack that resulted in the death of a young man who had simply gone with friends to buy alcohol. What started out as a minor disagreement quickly escalated into violence.
"While Ivanov carried out the attack, both men were responsible for Arpith's murder and they will now face the consequences of their actions. They could have done the right thing and walked away.
"We will continue to do all we can to tackle violence on the streets of London and hold to account those who carry out such awful crimes."
The conviction details are as follows:
Denis Ivanov 23, of Brabazon Road, Hounslow, was found guilty of murder, grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon. He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 26 years.
Denis Kusins 22, of no fixed address, was found guilty of manslaughter, actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon. He was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment.
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