Pregnant woman dies after being stabbed 19 times by abusive boyfriend

Tragedy in Walthamstow - The Fatal Stabbing of Alana Odysseos

In a harrowing incident that has reignited debates around domestic violence and criminal justice reform in the United Kingdom, 32-year-old Alana Odysseos, a mother of two and newly pregnant with her third child, was brutally murdered by her partner, Shaine March, in her home in Walthamstow, East London.

The attack occurred in the early hours of July 22, 2024, and has since drawn national attention due to the disturbing details surrounding the case and the perpetrator’s violent past.

Alana had recently discovered she was four weeks pregnant when she was stabbed 19 times by March, a man with a deeply violent history. Shockingly, March, now 47, had previously served a life sentence for murder and was released on licence at the time of the attack. The couple had reportedly argued earlier that day about the pregnancy, with Alana expressing her desire to keep the baby. Witnesses later recalled hearing her say, “I don’t want to kill my baby,” a chilling prelude to the violence that would follow.

Neighbours described a horrifying scene as Alana was seen outside her home, bleeding profusely and clutching her side. Despite efforts to save her, she succumbed to her injuries, leaving behind two young children and an unborn life tragically cut short. The brutality of the attack and the vulnerability of the victim, both as a pregnant woman and as someone in a relationship with a known violent offender, have sparked widespread outrage and calls for systemic change.

Shaine March was arrested and charged with murder. Initially, he pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, but he later changed his plea to guilty of murder at the Old Bailey. The court heard that March had a history of controlling and abusive behaviour, and his release from prison had not been accompanied by adequate monitoring or support mechanisms to prevent such a tragedy.

This case has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the parole system and the protection afforded to victims of domestic abuse. Advocates and lawmakers are now urging for a thorough review of how individuals with violent histories are supervised post-release, especially when they enter intimate relationships.

Alana Odysseos’s death is a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis of domestic violence and the urgent need for reform. Her story has become a rallying cry for justice, not only for her and her unborn child but for countless others who remain at risk in abusive relationships.