Murderer found guilty after fatal stabbing in Chatham

A fatal knife attack in Chatham has led to a man being found guilty of murder.

Musa Salih stabbed his victim multiple times during the unprovoked assault at an address in Thorold Road, at around 3am on 2 December 2025.

Attack

Salih lured 19-year-old Harley Purdue to the building’s communal basement with the intent of locking him in a toilet and then going on to steal money from his bedroom. An altercation ensued after Salih tried to trap Mr Purdue in the toilet, during which Salih stabbed his victim eight times.

Mr Purdue’s girlfriend intervened, with Salih attempting to injure her before fleeing the house and Medway area.

He was arrested later the same day in Lewisham, with a subsequent review of his phone showing he had asked an AI app for legal advice and updates about the incident.

Court

Despite denying the offence, a Maidstone Crown Court jury found the Eritrean national guilty of murder on Thursday 15 October 2026.

Salih, 19, of Launceston Road, Greenford, is due to be sentenced at the same court on Wednesday 4 November.

Detective Sergeant Alastair Worton said:

‘Salih’s plan to steal Mr Purdue’s money in the middle of the night, whilst armed with a knife, resulted in the death of a young man and left his family mourning the loss of a loved one. ‘The swift response to track him down in London, followed by a comprehensive investigation, ensured the jury went on to convict him of murder. ‘Our thoughts remain with Harley’s loved ones, whose strength and dignity throughout our investigation and the court proceedings has been commendable. I hope today’s verdict brings them some sense that justice has been done.’