Shakeil Thibou: Man Convicted of Murdering Cher Maximen at Notting Hill Carnival

In a devastating case that shook London, 20-year-old Shakeil Thibou has been found guilty of murdering a mother in broad daylight during the 2024 Notting Hill Carnival one of the city's most iconic events. The victim, 32-year-old Cher Maximen, was stabbed with a zombie knife in front of her three-year-old daughter.

This article explains everything you need to know about the incident, the investigation, the trial, and its emotional impact.

Who Was Cher Maximen?

Cher Maximen was described by her family as a “radiant, loving, passionate, and kind” woman. She was a dedicated mother, a cherished granddaughter, a beloved sister, and a loyal friend. She had attended the Notting Hill Carnival on Sunday, August 25, 2024, with her daughter and a group of friends to enjoy the family-friendly festivities.

But instead of a celebration, the day turned into a tragedy.

What Happened at the Carnival?

The stabbing took place on Golborne Road in North Kensington just off the main parade route, where a fight broke out among several men. According to prosecutors, Shakeil Thibou had arrived at the carnival armed with a large, zombie-style knife.

During a confrontation with another man, Thibou attempted to stab him. In the chaos, Cher Maximen was accidentally knocked down and got caught in the scuffle. While trying to protect her daughter and get back on her feet, she was stabbed in the groin by Thibou. The wound was fatal.

She suffered a cardiac arrest at the scene and was rushed to the hospital. Despite undergoing two major surgeries, she died six days later on August 31.

Who Is Shakeil Thibou?

Shakeil Thibou, born May 29, 2004, is a resident of Masbro Road, Hammersmith and Fulham in west London. At just 20 years old, he now faces a life-altering conviction for a brutal murder that occurred in front of hundreds of witnesses and was caught on camera.

During the trial at the Old Bailey, he claimed he picked up the knife from the ground during the brawl and was acting in self-defense. However, his version of events was disproven by strong CCTV evidence and forensic testing, including a 1-in-a-billion DNA match.

Trial and Verdict

The trial lasted four weeks and concluded on April 9, 2025. A jury at the Old Bailey found Shakeil Thibou guilty of:

The murder of Cher Maxime
Attempted grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent on another man
Possession of an offensive weapon

He was acquitted of attempted murder.

Two of his brothers, Sheldon Thibou (25) and Shaeim Thibou (22), also faced charges related to the incident. They were both found guilty of assaulting an emergency worker, and Sheldon was additionally found guilty of violent disorder and possession of a stun gun.

How Was He Caught?

Police used CCTV, body-worn camera footage, and facial recognition to track down the Thibou brothers. When officers eventually found Shakeil Thibou, he was hiding under a sleeping bag at an associate’s home.

Key evidence included:

A jacket discarded at the crime scene that tested positive for Thibou’s DNA
CCTV footage of him changing clothes and leaving the carnival area
Video footage clearly showing the moment of the attack

Detectives worked around the clock, reviewing hundreds of hours of footage and mobile phone data to ensure justice was served.

Emotional Impact on the Family

Cher’s family members gave emotional statements during and after the trial. Her grandmother, Vyleen Maximen, heartbreakingly recalled never being able to hear her granddaughter say “Hello Nanny” again.

TJ Jacobs, godmother to Cher’s daughter, described her as “pure magic” and “a fierce protector.” She said Cher had just started to blossom and was full of life and potential. The family has vowed to raise Cher’s daughter with love and support, ensuring her mother’s legacy lives on.

What Happens Next?

Shakeil Thibou is due to be sentenced on May 16, 2025, at the Old Bailey. His brothers will also be sentenced, with Sheldon’s date yet to be confirmed.

The family has called for the government to take urgent steps to address youth violence, particularly knife crime, which continues to devastate communities across the UK.

A Call for Change

In a powerful statement, Cher’s family urged authorities to tackle the root causes of knife crime, from broken education systems to failing mental health and youth services. They believe proactive measures could prevent more senseless deaths like Cher’s and build safer communities.

Final Thoughts

The Shakeil Thibou case is a painful reminder of how quickly joy can turn into tragedy. What was meant to be a family day out ended in heartbreak, trauma, and the loss of a beautiful life. The verdict has brought some measure of justice, but the call for real change echoes louder than ever.