Killer jailed for life for Walthamstow murder over £5

Eugeniu Neamtu, 59, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 27 years for the murder of his flatmate Gheorghe Trica, 63. The fatal stabbing occurred on 20 February 2026 at their shared accommodation in Walthamstow, east London. Neamtu was found guilty of the murder at the Old Bailey.

Previous Conviction

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Police received a report of the incident on Masons Avenue on August 17, 2026.

The court heard that Neamtu had a prior conviction in Romania for a "strikingly similar" killing. In May 2007, he was jailed for 15 years for murdering his housemate, Adrian Vas, in 2006. That incident also involved a stabbing during a dispute over money.

Neamtu arrived in the UK as a visitor in September 2023. He did not declare his previous conviction or his intention to work to UK authorities. Consequently, he was not in the country lawfully at the time of Mr Trica's death.

Dispute over £5

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Sentencing Neamtu, Judge Richard Marks KC stated that the murder of Mr Trica had been triggered by the "exceptionally trivial fact" that the victim had asked to be repaid £5. The judge noted Neamtu's lack of remorse and described his previous conviction as an "extremely aggravating factor."

During the trial, prosecutor Philip Evans KC told the jury that an argument had taken place between Neamtu and Mr Trica. Mr Trica was heard to say, "Give me back those £5." A bystander exclaimed, "Oh my God, he has cut Trica," as the victim collapsed on the communal balcony outside the flat. Mr Trica died at the scene despite efforts by emergency services.

The murder weapon, a black-handled steak knife, was recovered from the garden after Neamtu was seen throwing an item over the balcony. Neamtu admitted to a 999 operator that he was the perpetrator after an altercation where a man was cut.

Neamtu denied murder, claiming he acted in self-defence. However, the jury deliberated for three hours before finding him guilty. The jury was not informed of Neamtu's previous victim's death until after reaching its verdict.

Next Steps

A Home Office spokesperson stated that following sentencing, efforts would be made to deport Neamtu from the UK.