Man found guilty of murder of his partner in Ealing

Vivienne Baraka murdered by Alvin Gitahi

Alvin Gitahi found guilty of murdering Vivienne Baraka

A man has been convicted of murdering his partner after a police investigation revealed a pattern of abusive behaviour leading up to her death.

Alvin Gitahi, 43, of Uxbridge Road, Ealing, was found guilty of the murder of Vivienne Baraka at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday 6 August.

The police were called to an address in Riverside Close, Ealing, on Tuesday 26 March 2024 at around 3.15 pm after reports raising concern for the welfare of a woman there.

Metropolitan Police officers and London Ambulance Service paramedics attended and found 35-year-old Vivienne Baraka suffering injuries. Despite their best efforts she was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem examination showed Vivienne had died from compression to the neck.

Gitahi was arrested at the scene, and a murder investigation was launched. Electronic devices were seized from the address, revealing messages between Vivienne and Gitahi which indicated that Vivienne was subject to repeated abusive behaviour.

Phone records also showed Vivienne rang her mother shortly before her death and told her to call 999, saying that she was in danger and Gitahi beat her all the time.

The investigative team also gathered key witness statements, including from neighbours, who told officers they could hear a woman screaming prior to police arrival.

Gitahi was charged with murder on Wednesday 8 October 2025. He is due to be sentenced at Southwark Crown Court during the week commencing Monday 19 October.

In a statement, Vivienne’s family said:

“We are grateful that justice has prevailed. Vivienne was very community-orientated and helped a lot of people during her life.

“She was taken from us far too soon. She was a very much-loved member of our family, and she is missed every day.

“Vivienne’s spirit lives on in her daughter. We would like to thank everyone who has supported us through this difficult time.”

Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Denby, who led the investigation, said:

“Our thoughts are with Vivienne’s loved ones, who have lost a mother, daughter and a friend.

“This is a devastating case where a young woman has been subject to ongoing violence in her own home, culminating in her tragic death.

“While no outcome can undo this loss, we hope today’s conviction brings her family and friends some measure of closure and reassurance that Gitahi has been held accountable for his actions.

“Our commitment to tackling violence against women and girls remains firm.

“We will continue to pursue offenders and work closely with partner agencies to prevent harm and support victims. We encourage anyone affected to seek help from the police or support services.”