Deka Omar killed Susan Ioannou after she had “preyed on Susan’s kind nature” to fund her own drug addiction

A drug addict has been found guilty of murdering an Edmonton woman in her own home – after the victim had been trying to help her.

Deka Omar, aged 24 and of no fixed address, was found guilty yesterday (Tuesday 5th) of murdering 58-year-old Susan Ioannou following a re-trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

She will be sentenced at the same court on Friday, 5th April.

Detective Inspector Jim Barry said: “Susan was kind and generous, supporting those around her, even though she had little. One of those she helped was Omar, who wanted more and violently killed Susan whilst she was in her place of safety, her home.”

We were called at 8.32pm on 21st February 2022 to reports that the body of a woman had been found at a residential property in Church Street, Edmonton Green.

Officers attended along paramedics, however the woman, later identified as Susan Ioannou, was pronounced dead at the scene, having suffered a number of injuries.

A post-mortem examination later established the cause of death as traumatic head and chest injuries, with compression of the neck. An investigation was launched to establish the circumstances leading up to Susan’s death.

It was through CCTV and witness statements that officers managed to trace Omar’s movements to the address, the night before Susan was discovered.

Following initial enquiries, officers discovered that Omar had befriended Susan, visiting her property on numerous occasions. She had preyed on Susan’s kind nature, in order to fund her own drug addiction.

While it is unclear what the motive of the attack was, Susan’s injuries were found to be the result of a brutal and violent attack which included strangulation, stamping on her and a number of heavy blows to her face.

Omar stole Susan’s phone before leaving the property.

Evidence also identified that Omar had spoken with a number of people following the attack, requesting that they check on Susan. She also claimed that ‘something may have happened’ to her.

Omar was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder on 22nd February 2022 and was later charged with the same offence on 26th February 2023.

DI Barry added: “I would like to thank Susan’s friends who helped throughout the investigation ensuring that she finally had justice. This verdict will bring some comfort to those who knew Susan, including her family, and I hope, reassure the public at large.

“Murder is not a common crime, but the effects on loved ones when a life is taken by violence is devastating. We will continue to work hard to get justice for the victims and their families and to make our city a safer place.”

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