Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Bill McLoughlin

Husband of woman who was stabbed to death in the street by her ex speaks out

Yasmin Wafah Chkaifi, 43, was studying a masters

(Picture: Handout)

The husband of a woman who was stabbed to death by her ex in Maida Vale has spoken out for the first time.

Yasmin Chkaifi, 43, was killed on January 24 by ex-partner, Leon McCaskie, 38.

Following her death, Ms Chkaifi’s husband Joseph Salmon said he and his family have been left devastated.

He went on to praise his “smart, clever and witty” wife in a touching tribute following her passing.

Speaking to the BBC, he added: “I’m grateful for the chance to talk to her, marry her, be happy with her, and fall in love with her.

"I just think domestic abuse is a very bad problem and, if there’s no education about it from very young, if things aren’t sorted, if men can’t keep their hands to themselves, I don’t know what we’re going to do.”

Azhar Elfaddi, Ms Chkaifi’s cousin and best friend, added: "She was probably the smartest and wisest woman I knew. She was just a simple, loving, amazing woman.

“I’ve never seen anyone compare to her, her parenting, as a person, her heart. She was always forgiving, she never really liked to speak bad about people."

Leon McCaskie stabbed his former partner to death in Maida Vale (Collect)

McCaskie was hit by a passing car after the driver saw him attacking his former partner with a knife.

The Metropolitan Police have issued a warrant for McCaskie’s arrest stating he should be held without bail after he allegedly breached a stalking protection order.

The force referred itself to the police watchdog over the incident.

The driver of the car which hit McCaskie, was initially arrested by police before later being released.

His lawyer, Mohammed Akunjee, tweeted a statement from the driver simply known as Abraham following the Met’s decision to release him.

He said: “I once again wish to express my gratitude to the British public who supported me so vocally at this most stressful and trying time.

“I hope that in my actions a message has been sent to society: should you see an evil it is a duty upon you to stop it with your own hands, if you cannot you should stop it by speaking out, if you cannot then at the very least you should hate it with your heart. May peace be upon you all.”

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Rawlinson said: “Having reviewed the CCTV evidence and taken statements of numerous members of the public and attending officers, as well as reviewing the legal position regarding self-defence and defence of another, a decision has been taken that the driver of the car, a 26-year-old man, will face no further police action.

“He is considered a vital witness to our investigation and will be offered support from professionals to help him come to terms with the terrifying situation he was confronted with.

“It is vitally important that when a person dies there is a thorough investigation into all of the circumstances and this has taken place.

“Such decisions must be thoroughly examined and while this process takes time this has been a priority for my team.”

An inquest into Ms Chkaifi’s death began on Tuesday.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.