Family of Murder Victim Henry Nowak Detail Trauma of Police Footage
The family of Henry Nowak, who was fatally stabbed in 2025, has spoken out about the added pain of witnessing police body camera footage that showed officers handcuffing him while he lay dying.
The family of Henry Nowak has revealed the profound distress caused by viewing police body-worn camera footage that captured officers handcuffing their son as he lay dying after being stabbed. His family stated that their "world has changed twice": first upon learning of his death, and again upon seeing the video.
Henry Nowak, 18, was stabbed five times on December 3, 2025, while walking home from a night out with friends in Southampton. His killer, Vickrum Digwa, falsely told police that Nowak had racially abused him. Officers proceeded to handcuff Nowak as he repeatedly informed them that he had been stabbed.
Digwa, 23, was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 21 years. It took an additional 24 hours for authorities to identify Nowak's body and inform his family.
Nowak's father, Mark, stepmother Katie, mother Lucy, and sister Olivia shared their experiences in an interview with ITV for the documentary "Dear Henry: Our Fight For Justice." Katie Nowak described the moment police arrived at their home, recalling, "I just knew straight away that something horrific had happened." Mark Nowak recounted the devastating impact of hearing the news, stating, "He let out a cry that I'll never forget." His mother, Lucy, added, "It's just unbelievable pain."
In response to the case, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced an independent review into Nowak's murder. The review will be led by former lord chancellor Alex Chalk and will examine "any missed opportunities to intervene" by authorities.