Nineteen-year-old accused of killing and dismemberment of jazz trumpeter in Barnes

William 'Blaise' Algar

A nineteen-year-old male has been charged with the murder of William ‘Blaise’ Algar who was killed and dismembered at his home in Barnes late last year.

Emeka Dawuda-Wodu had previously been charged with perverting the course of justice but a murder charge was added this Monday (6 July). He is currently remanded in custody.

Previously 18-year-old Janayo Lucima of Longridge Road, SW5, had been charged with the offence. He appeared at the Old Bailey in January where the charge was discontinued and changed to perverting the course of justice. He last appeared in court on 10 June and is currently in custody with his next court date to be confirmed.

Two other men have been charged with perverting the course of justice in connection with the inquiry. Mark Harding, 44, of The Drive, Isleworth, Hounslow, Simon Emmons, 39, of no fixed address will face trial at a later date.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested on Wednesday, 3 June on suspicion of murder. He has been released under investigation.

The remains of 53-year-old William ‘Blaise’ Algar, were discovered when police searched the property where he lived, on Nowell Road, SW13 on Friday, 3 January. They found Mr. Algar’s head and torso wrapped in a sheet but his arms and legs were missing. He had been stabbed 20 times. Later the missing body parts of his were discovered after a search in Hounslow. It is believed that Mr Algar was killed and dismembered at some time between 16 and 20 December 2019.

Mr Algar was a talented jazz trumpeter who attended Chiswick School between 1977-84. He had some mental health issues and was considered to be vulnerable.

It is believed that Mr Algar was killed after drug dealers took over his home in a process called cuckooing in which vulnerable people are exploited by gangs.

Detectives continue to appeal for information and are especially keen to hear from anyone who may have had contact with William Algar - known to friends and family as Blaise - in December 2019.

Anyone with information that could assist police with their enquiries is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8721 4054, or stay anonymous by contacting the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

July 9, 2020