Fouad Boudra denies murder of two men in Walthamstow house fire

Fouad Boudra, 25, appeared at the Old Bailey on 19 August to deny murdering two men in a fire at a multi-occupancy property in Walthamstow. The blaze, on 21 April, killed Mohammed Djellal, 24, and Fawzi Bouchabou, 35. Both died from smoke inhalation, as reported by This Is Local London.

The fire started on the lower floor of the property on Forest Road. Flames spread rapidly, forcing other occupants to jump from first-floor windows to escape. Boudra, who has no fixed address, is accused of starting the fire after an argument over a stolen phone.

Charges and court proceedings

Boudra pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder, two counts of manslaughter, and charges of causing grievous bodily harm with and without intent to another occupant, Mohammed Dhahri. He also denied arson with intent to endanger life and being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

Judge Richard Marks KC remanded Boudra in custody. He appeared via videolink from Belmarsh prison. The next formal step is a case management hearing on 11 December, as confirmed by the Old Bailey.

What happens next

The trial is scheduled to begin on 4 January 2026. Residents and families of those affected will have to wait over a year for the case to be heard. The court has not yet released details of any potential pre-trial applications or further evidence disclosures.