Police dropped Tottenham rape investigation before sexual predator killed two women, court told

Police have faced scrutiny over their handling of a rape investigation involving a convicted sex offender, whose actions allegedly led to the deaths of two other women. The case came under examination during a court hearing, where it was revealed that the investigation into the alleged rape was closed just months prior to the suspect’s alleged murders. Convicted sex offender Simon Levy, 40, is accused of committing a violent sexual attack on a trafficked sex worker in January 2025, during which her collarbone was fractured. This incident reportedly took place in the B&M car park in Tottenham, north London, a location also linked to the subsequent deaths of two other women—Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo, 53, and Sheryl Wilkins, 39.

The alleged rape occurred in the same car park where Ms. Wilkins was later discovered dead. Four days after the incident, the alleged victim informed police of the assault, though she was unable to be interviewed due to her poor health. The woman, who remains unidentified for legal reasons, suffers from a severe drug addiction, including crack cocaine and heroin use, costing approximately £150 per day. On June 8, 2025, the case was officially closed following police efforts to conduct an investigation, which ultimately proved insufficient given the circumstances.

Detective Sergeant Nina Muchamore, representing the Serious Sexual Offences Unit, outlined the chain of events leading to the closure of the investigation. She explained that the alleged rape was first brought to her attention on January 25, 2025, when a sex worker, arrested for an unrelated matter, disclosed the assault while hospitalized with a collarbone injury. The woman initially claimed the incident occurred the previous night, stating it was on a Tuesday evening. However, Muchamore noted that she was unclear about the exact timing of the alleged crime, which significantly limited the scope of the investigation.

Upon returning to Wood Green Police Station, another officer attempted to question the woman, but she was too unwell to provide detailed information. She was suffering from withdrawal symptoms related to her heroin addiction and was described as "very listless," "tired," and physically incapable of giving further context. Muchamore emphasized that without knowing the precise date of the incident, gathering CCTV footage or forensic evidence became impractical. She also highlighted the high volume of rape cases handled by the unit, noting that they typically prioritize investigations based on clearer timelines and available resources.

Further complications arose when the woman, after appearing in court for the unrelated arrest, was released without a permanent address, making it impossible to track her down. Despite attempts by the police team to connect with social services for support, these efforts were unsuccessful. A colleague became aware of the woman’s second arrest on May 16, 2025, but due to delayed communication, she was released before the team could discuss the rape allegations. By May 28, the woman was approached by an officer from another team, yet she refused to provide additional information.

The case continues to unfold as authorities examine the broader implications of how such cases are managed within law enforcement protocols. As the trial progresses, the focus will remain on whether the decisions made by the police team contributed to the tragic outcomes that followed. The narrative surrounding this case highlights the complex challenges faced by investigators when dealing with victims who are both vulnerable and unwilling or unable to cooperate fully.