A woman who followed her partner through the streets of Mortlake and fatally stabbed him has been found guilty of murder at Kingston Crown Court.

Blaze Wallace, 28, of Mullins Path, SW14 was found guilty of the murder of 34-year-old Samuel Mayo on Thursday 22 June.

The jury heard how Wallace and Mayo were in a volatile drug-fuelled relationship and lived together in a flat in Mullins Path.

The accused was a law graduate who studied at St Mary’s University, Twickenham.

On 18 July 2022, the pair were seen arguing close to Mortlake train station at around 6pm. They returned home and continued to argue before Samuel packed a bag and left.

Wallace picked up a kitchen knife and began to follow him through the streets. CCTV showed Samuel walking, unaware that Wallace was following his route minutes behind.

As Samuel walked along Lower Mortlake Road, Wallace caught up with him. Within seconds, a further argument appears to have taken place.

Wallace stabbed Samuel once, fatally injuring him and leaving him collapsed in the street. She calmly walked off while passers-by rushed to assist Samuel, after being alerted by his cries for help.

Police and London Ambulance Service attended but Samuel was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detective Inspector Nicola Collins from the Met's Specialist Crime Command said: "This is a tragic incident that has left Samuel's family devastated.

"Wallace has been convicted of his murder, but that will offer little comfort to them as they continue to deal with the loss of their loved one."

Officers attended Wallace's address to inform her of the death and found her acting erratically. She was arrested on suspicion of his murder and detectives began to piece together the events of that night.

CCTV showed Wallace following Samuel, wearing a long cardigan despite it being one of the hottest evenings of the year. As she walked, she concealed the knife in her right pocket.

Officers found the cardigan when searching the address in Mullins Path and forensic analysis revealed Samuel's blood on the sleeve. They also found several kitchen knives, with only one having been recently cleaned. The forensic pathologist confirmed the knife was consistent with the type used to stab Samuel.

Wallace was subsequently charged with Samuel's murder. She will be sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on August 4.

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