Murder suspect disguised himself by dying his hair red

A killer dyed his hair red after he knifed a man to death is facing a life sentence.

Leon Douglas, 45, jumped out of a ground floor window at the back of his window when police came to arrest him for the cold-blooded murder of Khalid Marchoud.

Mr Marchoud, 40, was found collapsed outside a flat at a towerblock on Tollgate Gardens, Kilburn, with a stab wound to the stomach.

He was taken to St Mary’s Hospital but was  pronounced dead later that evening.

Douglas fled and threw his knife from a window before climbing onto the roof of the entrance building and jumping to the ground. He then calmly made his way towards Kilburn High Road.

                                                Khalid Marchoud

He was later traced on CCTV returning to a property where he changed his clothing and headed to a local pub where he spent the evening with friends.

Over the next couple of days Douglas disposed of the clothes he had been wearing, shaved his beard and dyed his hair red.

He was found by police at an address in Cricklewood and arrested outside after jumping out of a ground floor window.

Douglas denied but was convicted by a jury of murder following a nine-day trial at Harrow Crown Court.

Detective Inspector Sarah Philippe, who led the investigation, said: “This was a senseless and brutal act of violence which resulted in the tragic death of Khalid Marchoud. Our thoughts remain with Khalid’s family and loved ones, who continue to live with the devastating consequences of Douglas’ actions.

“I would like to thank the witnesses who came forward and supported our investigation. Their assistance was invaluable in helping us build the case that secured this conviction.

“Today’s verdict reflects the strength of evidence presented to the court and demonstrates our determination to pursue those responsible for serious violence and bring them to justice.”

Douglas will be sentenced on a date to be fixed.