Deepak Sandhu guilty of Earl's Court murder
Man travelled from Southampton to kill Xiaoqing Ke after relationship breakdown.
Incident → evidence → outcomeDeepak Sandhu was found guilty of murdering Xiaoqing Ke at the Old Bailey on October 15. The 23-year-old travelled from Southampton to Earl's Court on December 9, 2025, to carry out the fatal stabbing. He was arrested by Metropolitan Police officers on December 12 as he attempted to leave the country.
Relationship breakdown and fixation
Sandhu and Ms Ke, 39, met in early 2025 when she was working at a brothel. The court heard they had a relationship that continued after Ms Ke moved from Southampton to London. However, the relationship ended when Ms Ke discovered Sandhu had been stealing from her and lying. Messages uncovered by police showed Sandhu became increasingly angry after being found out and that Ms Ke had ended their relationship. He discussed taking revenge in a message to a friend and predicted he would 'become evil'.
The attack and arrest
On December 9, 2025, Sandhu travelled to Old Brompton Road in Earl's Court, carrying a knife, after arranging to meet Ms Ke. He concealed his identity before being admitted to the Airbnb where she was staying. He then stabbed her multiple times. Police discovered Ms Ke dead inside the property. Analysis of blood found at the scene matched Sandhu, identifying him as a primary suspect. After leaving the Airbnb approximately 90 minutes after his arrival, Sandhu began efforts to flee the country. He falsely told a family member that another man had killed Ms Ke and booked a flight to Mumbai. Officers located Sandhu and arrested him on a coach travelling towards the airport.
Police investigation
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, who led the investigation, stated that Sandhu had become fixated on Ms Ke and had sent her controlling and abusive messages. He added that the team uncovered vital evidence showing Sandhu's actions before he decided to end her life. DCI Jolley commented that tackling violence against women and girls is a key priority for the Met Police.
Sandhu is scheduled to be sentenced at the Old Bailey on October 16.
Questions this report answers
01When was Deepak Sandhu found guilty of murder?
Deepak Sandhu was found guilty of murdering Xiaoqing Ke at the Old Bailey on October 15. The court heard evidence that he had become fixated on Ms Ke and sent her controlling messages before travelling to London to carry out the attack.
02Where did the murder take place?
The murder took place at an Airbnb on Old Brompton Road in Earl's Court, Kensington and Chelsea. Deepak Sandhu travelled from Southampton to the location on December 9, 2025, where he stabbed Xiaoqing Ke.
03When will Deepak Sandhu be sentenced?
Deepak Sandhu is due to be sentenced for the murder of Xiaoqing Ke at the Old Bailey on October 16. He was found guilty of the offence on October 15.
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