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Man who fled to Pakistan over fatal Thornton Heath stabbing convicted after two-year hunt
Ali Abdul Basit fled abroad after a robbery-related stabbing but was linked by DNA and phone data in a two-year investigation before his manslaughter conviction.
- Following a three-week trial, Ali Abdul Basit was convicted of manslaughter and robbery three years after the fatal stabbing of Michael Patrick Afonso Peixoto in Thornton Heath.
- After the violent murder of Michael, Basit immediately fled the country, traveling through Venice, Dubai, and Egypt before eventually arriving in Pakistan, where he remained for months.
- Detectives from the Met Police linked Basit to the crime using phone data and DNA from a cigarette butt at the scene, which matched an inhaler seized from his home.
- Three accomplices—Zak Baako, John Budal, and Omari Peat—were convicted in 2024 of murder, manslaughter, and robbery respectively before Basit returned to the UK in May 2025.
- Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe, who led the investigation, noted that Basit is due to be sentenced on Friday, May 22, as the Met continues its pursuit of justice.
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Fourth man convicted for ‘brutal’ killing of Michael Afonso
More than two years after Michael Afonso was murdered in a brutal gang attack in Thornton Heath just before Christmas 2023, a fourth man has been convicted. Ali Abdul Basit's manslaughter and robbery conviction was largely down to forensic evidence, which found his DNA on a cigarette stub he'd left at the scene while waiting…
Sky News UKReposted by 
Great Yorkshire Radio
Great Yorkshire RadioTeen convicted of manslaughter after asthma inhaler DNA matched to crime scene cigarette butt
Ali Abdul Basit, 19, was arrested over his role in the killing when he returned to the UK after fleeing to Pakistan, Metropolitan Police said.
·United Kingdom
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The IndependentReposted by 
The Independent (US)
The Independent (US)DNA found on asthma inhaler and cigarette helps convict teenager in man’s death
When Michael Patrick Afonso Peixoto climbed out of the car, he was stabbed multiple times, including once in the chest, as he attempted to get back into the vehicle
·London, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources9
Leaning Left3Leaning Right0Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Center
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources are Center
57% Center
L 43%
C 57%
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