The killer of a vulnerable man has been convicted after a meticulous investigation by Met detectives uncovered the victim had suffered months of coercive and controlling behaviour at the hands of a “master manipulator”.

Christopher Donnelly, 54 (11.04.71), Samara Drive, Southall pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, 19 October after murdering 66-year-old Michael O’Donnell in his own home.

Despite Donnelly’s efforts to cover his tracks, Met detectives pieced together evidence from CCTV, financial records and witness accounts. Analysis by forensic entomologists, who used insect and larvae evidence found at the property to estimate when Michael died, played a key role in establishing the timeline of events and securing the evidence that led to Donnelly’s guilty plea.

During the trial, the court heard how Donnelly spent years controlling and exploiting Michael, moving into his home and stealing thousands of pounds from him before brutally stabbing him to death and concealing his body for months.

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, who led the investigation, said: “The facts of this case reveal a level of violence and callousness that is difficult to comprehend. The victim was attacked in the place where he should have felt safest, by someone who sought to exert control and exploit him for his own gain.

“Following the murder, the defendant made deliberate efforts to conceal both his crimes and Michael’s body – actions that were calculated, inhumane and deeply distressing. Michael was denied the dignity and respect he deserved, and his family were forced to endure unimaginable anguish.

“Tackling serious violence in all its forms remains one of the Met’s key priorities, and we are committed to bringing those responsible for the most harmful offences before the courts.

“I hope today’s guilty plea provides Michael’s family with a measure of justice and allows them to begin to move forward.”

The investigation

An investigation was launched on, 23 April 2025 after police were called by the London Ambulance Service following concerns for the welfare of a man at an address in Samara Drive.

Officers entered the address and found Michael’s body. Early enquiries revealed that Michael had died several weeks before with his body being concealed underneath a mattress and piles of rubbish.

Enquiries also indicated that Donnelly had been living at Michael’s address for months and officers arrested him on suspicion of murder later that day. He was found with three bank cards and a bus pass belonging to Michael.

Christopher Donnelly was charged on Monday, 28 April with murder and fraud by false representation.

Following the charge, specialist enquiries were carried out to determine when and how Michael had died, and to build a detailed picture of Donnelly’s movements in the months surrounding the murder.

One of these enquiries involved forensic entomologists, who were able to determine from larvae and bugs in the property that Michael had likely been killed in March, several weeks prior to his body being found. Officers used this information to build a CCTV timeline, showing Donnelly coming and going from Michael’s flat after he had died and using his bank card to pay for gambling, sex workers and drugs.

Donnelly will be sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, 11 December.