Leah Campbell-Knechtel was found hiding under a bed by police on January 20, following a 48-hour manhunt. Officers arrested the 28-year-old, who was subsequently charged with attempted murder along with accomplice Jawad Naser, 47. The charges stemmed from a knife attack on a 66-year-old man on January 18.
Authorities were called to a flat in Islington at 7:03 p.m. after Naser stabbed the victim multiple times in a dispute over money. The victim had reportedly given Campbell-Knechtel thousands of pounds during what appeared to be a relationship, and an argument ensued when he later demanded the money back. Campbell-Knechtel then visited the victim's flat, reportedly to make peace, but instead opened the door for Naser and provided him with a knife taken from the kitchen. Naser then proceeded to stab the victim, causing injuries that required emergency surgery.
Detectives identified the pair as suspects shortly after the attack. Naser was arrested at his home in Muswell Hill four hours after the incident. His blood-stained trainers were recovered as evidence. Following Naser's arrest, officers initiated a manhunt for Campbell-Knechtel, tracking her to a Muswell Hill address.
Body camera footage released by the Metropolitan Police shows officers entering the property at 12:36 p.m. on January 20. As officers searched the premises, one announced, "Leah, it's the police with Tasers, come out and show yourself." Upon entering a bedroom, officers lifted a mattress to find Campbell-Knechtel concealed beneath a wooden bedframe. An officer then stated, "Leah you're under arrest for attempted murder," to which she responded, "can I just put my clothes on first?"
Both Naser and Campbell-Knechtel were charged with attempted murder and grievous bodily harm with intent. On August 14, they were sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment at the Old Bailey after a jury found them guilty of grievous bodily harm but not attempted murder. Detective Chief Inspector Gemma Alger noted that Campbell-Knechtel's role in facilitating the attack was significant, stating, "Campbell-Knechtel may not have wielded the knife herself, but she lured the victim into a false sense of security and made the attack possible. The sentences recognise that her role was every bit as serious."