Cher Maximen stabbed to death at Notting Hill Carnival in front of daughter, killer jailed for life

The family of Cher Maximen, the young mother stabbed to death during the Notting Hill Carnival, has made a desperate plea for change after her killer was jailed for life with a minimum term of 29 years.

Cher, just 32 years old, was murdered in broad daylight on what was meant to be Carnival’s family day. Her three-year-old daughter stood nearby and witnessed the horrifying moment her mother collapsed to the ground, fatally wounded.

The killer, Shakeil Thibou, 20, was described in court as brazen and violent. Moments before stabbing Cher, he launched an unprovoked assault on 20-year-old Adjei Isaac, already wielding a knife. His violent spree left two families shattered and stunned onlookers in tears.

In a gut-wrenching address outside the courtroom, Cher’s sister, TJ Jacobs, said the sentence was not enough to bring back the woman they loved. “Justice has been served, but the real change must come on our streets,” she said. “We hope this acts as a deterrent to anyone who chooses to come along to any event and act so recklessly and without thought.”

Judge Philip Katz KC, who presided over the trial, condemned the killing as a “catastrophic event.” The murder happened in full view of police, families, and children. The violence was so extreme that officers struggled to control the crowd and were “totally outnumbered” as the chaos spiralled.

Cher’s death wasn’t the only devastation left behind. Thibou’s own brothers were swept up in the mayhem. Sheldon Thibou, 25, was convicted of violent disorder and assaulting a police officer, while Shaeim Thibou, 22, was also found guilty of assault. All three men added to the terror that marred one of London’s most celebrated cultural festivals.

For Cher’s daughter, the trauma lingers every day. Now being raised by her grandmother, the little girl often talks about her mum. “She’s thriving, she’s smiling, and we never, ever let her forget her mum,” said the grandmother, holding back tears.

The murder has reignited calls across London for more action to stem knife crime and better protect public events from spiralling into violence. Despite a heavy police presence, the events of that day left many questioning how such a tragedy could unfold at one of the capital’s most highly policed festivals.

Cher’s family is determined that her death won’t be in vain. In an emotional message to the public, her sister warned: “Stop acting recklessly. Knife crime destroys more than just one life—it rips apart entire families and leaves children without parents.”

The brutal killing has become a stark reminder of how easily celebrations can turn to tragedy when weapons are involved. Cher had attended the Carnival in good spirits, excited to enjoy a day with her daughter. Instead, she became the victim of a violent rampage that could and should have been prevented.

As the Maximen family continues to grieve, their message is loud and clear: knife crime has no place in our communities. They hope their words—and Cher’s memory—will resonate far beyond West London.