The recent killing of a British man in Dubai by an influencer has cast a shadow of further tragedy over his family, who previously lost their patriarch to a fatal attack by relatives. William Treeby, 26, was allegedly stabbed to death by Brooke George, 23, a former retail worker and social media influencer. George claims she acted in self-defense during an altercation at Treeby's Dubai apartment after he allegedly confiscated her passport.
George was arrested at Dubai airport three days prior to the incident while attempting to leave the United Arab Emirates. She has been charged with murder, according to Detained in Dubai, a human rights organization supporting her. Her family and legal representatives state that Treeby lured George to Dubai with promises of a luxury lifestyle and a modeling career, only to become controlling and violent.
George alleges that after she booked a flight home, Treeby punched her when she asked for her passport back. She claims she then grabbed a kitchen knife in self-defense and stabbed him. Detained in Dubai has asserted that George acted in self-defense while attempting to escape an alleged assault. The organization's chief executive, Radha Stirling, has indicated that George could face the death penalty and called for authorities to treat her as a domestic violence survivor.
This incident marks a second profound loss for Treeby's mother, Karen, who described her late husband as a "wonderful" husband and father. In 2009, her husband, Jack Treeby, 43, was killed in a deliberate hit-and-run incident perpetrated by his own brother and nephews following a property dispute. Jack's brother, Bill, and his sons, Billy and George, were convicted of murder for mowing him down with their Range Rover near Maidstone shortly after Christmas that year.
William's sister, Esther, expressed her grief on social media, stating, "He was not only my brother but my best friend. I love you, my Bill. Forever 26."
George's family has described her as being in a "state of panic" and "terrified" during her final calls home, reporting that one of her eyes was visibly swollen and beginning to close. Her mother stated that her daughter was "desperate to get home and away from whatever had happened to her."
Detained in Dubai has observed a pattern of young British women being lured to Dubai with false promises, only to allegedly face exploitation and violence. The organization has called on UAE authorities to examine all electronic devices and communications related to Treeby to determine if other individuals may have been victimized. They also stated that multiple witnesses observed visible injuries on George immediately after the incident and urged investigators to consider her as a potential victim of serious violence, ensuring she receives adequate medical care, legal support, and consular assistance. The Foreign Office confirmed they are in contact with a British woman detained in the UAE and are providing support to her family and local authorities.