Man Convicted of Murder of Vivienne Baraka
Hanwell woman had suffered sustained abuse from her partner
Left: Vivienne Baraka. Right: Alvin Gitahi. Picture: Met Police
A man has been found guilty of murdering his partner in Hanwell after a Metropolitan Police investigation uncovered a sustained pattern of abusive behaviour leading up to her death. Alvin Gitahi, 43, of Uxbridge Road, was convicted at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, 6 August for the murder of 35-year-old Vivienne Baraka, who died in March 2024.
Vivienne’s family said they were grateful that justice had prevailed, describing her as community-minded, much-loved and deeply missed. They said her spirit lives on in her daughter and thanked those who had supported them through an immensely difficult period.
Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Denby, who led the investigation, said the case was devastating, involving a young woman subjected to ongoing violence in her own home. He said he hoped the conviction would bring Vivienne’s loved ones some measure of closure and reaffirmed the Met’s commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, urging anyone affected to seek help from police or support services.
Police were called to Riverside Close in North Hanwell at around 3.15pm on Tuesday, 26 March 2024 after concerns were raised for Vivienne’s welfare. Officers and paramedics found her with serious injuries, and despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination confirmed she had died from compression to the neck.
Gitahi was arrested at the address and a murder investigation began immediately. Officers seized electronic devices from the home, uncovering messages that revealed Vivienne had been subjected to repeated abusive behaviour. Phone records showed she had called her mother shortly before her death, telling her to contact emergency services and saying she was in danger and that Gitahi beat her regularly. Neighbours also provided statements saying they heard a woman screaming before police arrived.
Gitahi was initially released under investigation before being rearrested and charged with murder on 8 October 2025. Vivienne’s family said they were overwhelmed by the news that he had been found culpable, describing her as outgoing, full of life and devoted to supporting her family, friends and community. They said they continued to struggle with her loss and were unsure whether time would ever bring solace, but welcomed the verdict and thanked the Met and other professionals for their efforts.
Gitahi is due to be sentenced at Southwark Crown Court during the week commencing 19 October.
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