Murderer jailed after fatal stabbing in Chatham

A murderer has been jailed for 25 years after a fatal knife attack in Chatham.

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

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 to evade police capture.

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.

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, was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment at the same court on Wednesday 4 November 2026. This was reduced to 24 years and 30 days due to time served on remand.

Detective Sergeant Alastair Worton said:

‘Today’s sentencing reflects the seriousness of his crime which has left a young man’s family and friends heartbroken and in grief.  ‘Salih’s plan to steal Mr Purdue’s money in the middle of the night, whilst armed with a knife, has resulted in a man’s death and his own detention for 25 years. ‘The swift response to track him down in London, followed by a comprehensive investigation, ensured the jury rightly convicted him for the crime he denied. ‘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 sentence brings them some closure and a sense that justice has been done.’

In a statement, Mr Purdue's family said:

'Thank you to Kent Police and Crown Prosecution Service for their continued support throughout. 'We would like Harley to be remembered as the fun, loving, gentle giant that he was.'