Family of mum stabbed to death at Notting Hill Carnival reveal daughter’s last memory

Posted by. Posted onApril 9, 2025 Comments0
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The family of mum who was stabbed to death in front of her three-year-old daughter at Notting Hill Carnival has said their rage is ‘overwhelming’.

Cher Maximen, 32, was caught in the middle of a ‘horrifying outbreak of violence’ as she sat chatting to friends on August 25 last year.

She was knocked to the ground during a fight between Shakeil Thibou, 20, alongside his two brothers and several police officers.

After getting back to her feet, she appeared to lift her right leg at Thibou, who raised a ‘huge’ knife directly towards her and deliberately stabbed her in her groin, inflicting a 12cm wound.

He was found guilty of her murder yesterday at the Old Bailey.

But her cousin Laurence Hoo has said the family has been left with an ‘overwhelming sense of loss’.

He told Sky News: ‘It is the cruellest thing, it truly is. I can remember being in the hospital being sat there with her, with other family members and that’s the last time I saw her. It still doesn’t feel real. There’s still disbelief

Undated handout photo issued by the Metropolitan Police of Cher Maximen, 32, who was stabbed while at the Notting Hill Carnival with her young child has died in hospital, the Metropolitan Police said. Issue date: Saturday August 31, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story POLICE Carnival. Photo credit should read: Metropolitan Police/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Cher Maximen was attending the carnival’s family day on August 25 last year when she was stabbed by Shakeil Thibou (Picture: Metropolitan Police/PA Wire)
Cher Maximen's grandmother, Vyleen Maximen (centre), is joined by relatives Laurence Who (left) and TJ Jacobs (right), as she speaks outside the Old Bailey, London, after Shakeil Thibou was found guilty at the Old Bailey of murdering Cher Maximen who was stabbed in front of her three-year-old daughter during Notting Hill Carnival family day on August 25 last year. Picture date: Wednesday April 9, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story COURTS Carnival. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire
Cher’s grandmother, Vyleen Maximen (centre), is joined by relatives Laurence Who (left) and TJ Jacobs (right), as she speaks outside the Old Bailey (Picture: Yui Mok/PA Wire)

‘It’s the most senseless act to someone who had so much life and so much to give.’

Cher grew up in Bristol before moving to London and working in music and entertainment.

She had attended the carnival ‘many times before’ and had barely missed one.

In her late 20s she gave birth to her daughter, and became devoted to motherhood.

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Shakiel Thibou Cher Maximen
Cher’s family have said they have been left with ‘an overwhelming loss’ (Picture: Facebook)
Shakiel Thibou Cher Maximen
She was caught in the middle of a ‘horrifying outbreak of violence’ (Picture: Facebook)
IMAGE BLURRED AT SOURCE Undated handout screengrab issued by the Metropolitan Police of bodyworn footage of Shakeil Thibou on August 25 last year during Notting Hill Carnival's family day, where the 20-year-old stabbed Cher Maximen, 32, in the groin as her young daughter was close by. He has been found guilty of murdering the 32-year-old and the judge just set sentencing for him on May 16. Issue date: Wednesday April 9, 2025. PA Photo. His brother Sheldon Thibou, 25, was found guilty of violent disorder and assaulting Pc Oliver Mort, who tried to intervene, and a third brother, Shaeim Thibou, 22, was cleared of violent disorder but convicted of assaulting Pc Mort. See PA story COURTS Carnival. Photo credit should read: Metropolitan Police/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
She was knocked to the ground during a fight between Shakeil Thibou, 20, alongside his two brothers and several police officers (Picture: Metropolitan Police/PA Wire)

Laurence said: ‘She saw her mother drop to the floor, and then she saw her mother bleed. That’s the daughter’s last living memory of her mother.

‘And to live with that, knowing that that’s happened, that somebody did that. That’s why it’s so hard and that’s where the rage comes from.’

Showing jurors at the Old Bailey police bodycam footage of the attack, prosecutor Ed Brown KC said: ‘You will see pure anger in the face of Shakeil Thibou. This was right in front of her three-year-old daughter.

‘The injuries inflicted on Ms Maximen were fatal – the defendant had killed her. It was a truly shocking attack, and regarded as such by those around it.’

Cher died nearly a week later on August 31.

Thibou was also convicted of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to 20-year-old Adjei Isaac with intent, and having an offensive weapon.

There were cries of relief from Cher’s family in the gallery when the verdict was delivered.

His brother Sheldon Thibou, 25, was found guilty of violent disorder and assaulting PC Oliver Mort, who tried to intervene.

A third brother, Shaeim Thibou, 22, was cleared of violent disorder but convicted of assaulting PC Mort after the jury deliberated for 50 hours and 33 minutes.

The siblings, of Hammersmith, west London, had denied the charges against them although Sheldon Thibou admitted having the stun gun.

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In his defence, Shakeil Thibou claimed he picked up the knife at the carnival and acted in self-defence against Mr Isaac.

He claimed Cher’s death had been an accident.

However, the prosecution’s case was that the knife was brought to the scene by the defendant and that another blade was found during a search of his room.

The judge just set sentencing for Shakeil Thibou on May 16.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Vuk Valcic/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock (14664415cw) Police officers observe the crowds as security is increased on the second day of this year's Notting Hill Carnival. The annual event in London's popular Notting Hill area attracts around a million people and is primarily a celebration of Caribbean culture. Notting Hill Carnival second day, London, England, Uk - 26 Aug 2024
The police presence at the Carnival was stepped up after the stabbing (Picture: Vuk Valcic/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutt)

Emma Currie, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: ‘This is a profoundly tragic case where a young child lost her mother, on what was meant to be a family-friendly day for them both at the carnival.

‘Cher was caught up in the panicked crowd caused by the actions of the Thibou brothers, who robbed her of her life and the chance to see her little girl grow up.

‘The brothers’ actions showed no regard for the hundreds of people around them. They were undeterred by the police presence close by, with Sheldon and Shaeim assaulting the police officers who quickly and bravely intervened.

‘The jury has carefully considered all the evidence before returning guilty verdicts, which I hope will bring a sense of justice for the community. Our thoughts remain with Cher’s family and friends as they deal with this unimaginable loss.’

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