Kensington Palace Gardener Fatally Stabbed Over Hat

Elyas Moussa has been sentenced to a minimum of 27 years in prison for the murder of Ricardo Davey-Ann Clarke, a gardener at Kensington Palace. The fatal stabbing occurred on December 28, 2024, in Willesden Green, north-west London, following a dispute over a baseball cap. Moussa attacked Clarke after an argument where the cap's orientation was contested, leading to a physical altercation.

Clarke, who was celebrating his girlfriend's birthday at the time, suffered fatal injuries and died en route to the hospital. The court heard that Moussa initiated the final confrontation, chasing Clarke after he had fallen. Clarke's mother expressed the devastating impact of his loss on their family, highlighting his pride in his work and his role as a devoted father to their two children.

Moussa, who had no fixed address, surrendered to the police shortly after the incident. He was convicted of murder at the Old Bailey. In addition to the life sentence for murder, he received a concurrent 12-month sentence for possession of a knife. The judge emphasized that Clarke posed no danger at the time of the attack, making him vulnerable.