The manhunt for the Marble Arch murderer today took a new turn after police named and released the first picture of the dual Hong Kong-Thai woman who was found stabbed to death inside her £4 million property.
The horrifying stabbing victim has been identified by police as Kamonnan Thiamphanit. On Monday, April 8, at around 8.30 am, authorities forced entry into a residence in Stanhope Place, Bayswater, and found Thiamphanit’s body.
Friends of the 27-year-old, who were worried about her wellbeing, called the police on Sunday; however, they didn’t arrive at the site until after more than 13 hours.
The home, which locals claim is being used as an Airbnb, was rented by the Ethiopian Embassy until four years ago and was occupied by Ms Thiamphanit, also known as Angela.
Neighbours of the Grade II-listed Georgian property on the edge of Hyde Park told MailOnline they heard two ‘high-pitched screams’ and then a harrowing ‘silence’ hours before her body was found with stab injuries.
The five-story home had a video access system at the front entrance, and until police arrived on Monday morning, there was no indication of forced entry, leading experts to believe that Ms Thiamphanit may have known her assailant.
The Met has launched a murder investigation following the tragic incident, vowing to ‘ensure whoever is responsible is held to account’, although no arrests have yet been made.
Detective Chief Inspector Adam Clifton, who leads the investigation, said: ‘My team continues to work tirelessly to piece together the events that led to Kamonnan’s murder.
‘I would like to thank local residents for their patience while we have gone about our work at the scene.
‘I would appeal to anyone who has information that could assist us, no matter how insignificant you think that may be, to come forward and speak to us.
‘Kamonnan’s family and friends have been devastated by this murder and we must ensure whoever is responsible is held to account.’
The flat near Hyde Park was still sealed off by police today as the murder investigation entered its fourth day.
Uniformed officers patrol the scene while several forensic vans are parked outside as scenes of crime teams remain working inside the flat.
They are expected to be there for some time. Outside the home, multiple plastic forensic bags could be seen.
The dwelling could have been a holiday rental and had been rented by the young lady in the short term. It also suggests that there must have been numerous people coming and going from the property, but hey I’m no detective!
As for the police not arriving at the scene until over 13 hours later. Seriously, does the sound of a woman screaming in fear not count as a priority?
Bayswater is a rather pricey neighbourhood. You have the financial means to live in a pricey area if you reside there. The clientele is more affluent, and you anticipate prompt police response when you hear high-pitched cries. Even if she didn’t live in a dangerous neighbourhood, the police still need to respond quickly if they hear someone screaming.
The phone calls informing the police that they were concerned about the young woman should have drawn their attention if the screaming hadn’t done so. Close friends and family members are aware of each other’s whereabouts, so if they haven’t heard from someone in a while, the police should take immediate notice of the situation.
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