Anti-Muslim ex-soldier convicted of murdering neighbor in UK

By Mehmet Solmaz

BIRMINGHAM, England (AA) — A former soldier who made anti-Muslim remarks before a fatal stabbing has been found guilty of murdering his neighbor in the eastern English city of Norwich.

A jury at Norwich Crown Court on Thursday convicted 48-year-old Elvis Vickers of killing Abdulkadar Chadli, who was found with a single stab wound at Vickers’ flat in November 2024. Vickers had claimed he acted in self-defense.

Prosecutors told the court Vickers held deep-seated hostility toward Muslims and people of color, describing him as “consumed with anger and hatred.” Jurors heard he had complained about “terrorists” on his street shortly before the attack.

After directing a stream of racist mutterings as he waited to be taken into custody, Vickers said “bow down to Muslims,” and continued using derogatory words directed at Muslims.

The court was told the pair, who lived in neighboring flats on Mousehold Street, had spent the evening drinking together when an argument broke out.

Shortly after, Vickers texted a friend saying he had killed Chadli, then phoned 999 and admitted responsibility.

Police found 48-year-old Chadli on the bathroom floor as officers attempted to save his life. Vickers continued making inflammatory comments while being recorded on body-worn cameras.

Detectives said Chadli’s family described him as gentle and well-liked.

After nearly 12 hours of deliberations, the jury unanimously returned a guilty verdict. Vickers will be sentenced in the new year.

Detective Inspector Sam Pontin said the killing was a “senseless act of violence” and hoped the conviction would offer some comfort to Chadli’s loved ones.