Homeless Man Jailed Life Murdering Woman Who Sheltered Him West London

Apapale Adoum, a homeless man, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years for the murder of Victoria Adams, a 37-year-old mother who had generously invited him to stay in her home. Adams was found dead in her Hammersmith flat with severe head injuries inflicted by a mallet, two days after meeting Adoum at a homeless shelter. Despite initially being charged with possession of offensive weapons, further investigation led to his re-arrest and murder charge, to which he pleaded guilty. The court heard that Ms. Adams had taken Adoum in out of kindness, hoping to offer him shelter and protection from local threats, but the relationship tragically ended in violence when she asked him to leave. Family members described Victoria as trusting and generous, deeply mourning her loss and the impact on her four children. The case highlights the risks and complexities involved when helping vulnerable individuals in need, underscoring the devastating betrayal of kindness by the perpetrator.