Key Points
- Enzo Bettamio, 18, an international kart racer, has appeared at the Old Bailey and formally denied the murder of Kamonnan Thiamphanit.
- The victim, 27-year-old Kamonnan Thiamphanit—also known as Angela—was discovered with multiple sharp force injuries at her home in Stanhope Place, near Marble Arch, on 8 April 2024.
- Bettamio, who was 16 at the time of the alleged offence, is accused of killing Ms Thiamphanit within 24 hours of arriving in the UK.
- Prosecutors allege the defendant had booked a room at the victim’s property for a one-month stay through the Airbnb platform.
- Following an extensive international investigation, the defendant was extradited from the United Arab Emirates to the United Kingdom in April 2026.
- The trial has been scheduled to commence on 1 February 2027.
London (The Londoer News) July 17, 2026 — An 18-year-old man, accused of the brutal stabbing of an Airbnb host within hours of his arrival in the UK, has entered a plea of not guilty at the Old Bailey. Enzo Bettamio, a former international kart racer, appeared in court on Friday to face the charge of murdering 27-year-old Kamonnan Thiamphanit, known to friends as Angela. The defendant, who is of no fixed address, remains in custody ahead of his trial, which is set for early next year.
What are the circumstances surrounding the death of Kamonnan Thiamphanit?
Kamonnan Thiamphanit, who held dual Chinese-Hong Kong and Thai nationality and worked in property management, was living in a Grade II-listed terraced home in Stanhope Place, Bayswater. According to reports from the BBC, her body was discovered by Metropolitan Police officers at approximately 8:30 a.m. on 8 April 2024, after they forced entry into the property.
A post-mortem examination later confirmed that the victim died as a result of “multiple sharp force injuries,” according to details presented in court. The discovery came after concerns for her welfare had been raised by friends, leading to a police investigation that spanned across continents.
Why did the Metropolitan Police refer the case to the IOPC?
Following the discovery of Ms Thiamphanit’s body, the Metropolitan Police made a mandatory self-referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). As reported by ITV News, this action was taken because officers had been contacted twice by friends of the victim on the day prior to her death.
ITV News noted that during those initial contacts, the matter was graded as a “medium-risk missing person inquiry” before police eventually attended the scene the following morning.
How was the suspect extradited to the UK?
The investigation into the death of Ms Thiamphanit resulted in an international manhunt. Enzo Bettamio, who was 16 at the time of the alleged crime, was eventually located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The Metropolitan Police, working in conjunction with specialist lawyers from the Crown Prosecution Service’s (CPS) extradition and international units, facilitated his return. As stated by the Metropolitan Police, the extradition was completed on 24 April 2026, when the suspect was placed on a flight from Dubai to the UK. Upon his arrival, he was formally charged with murder.
Explore more London Crime News:
England Fan Clashes: Argentina Supporter Rescued by Police in London 2026
Loughton Man Charged With Attempted Murder After Buckhurst Hill Pub Assault: 2026
What transpired during the court proceedings?
Following his extradition, Bettamio first appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where he was remanded into custody. During that appearance, the court heard that the victim and the defendant may have been connected through a room booking on the Airbnb platform.
During his subsequent appearance at the Old Bailey on Friday, the defendant spoke only to confirm his identity and to enter a formal plea of not guilty to the charge of murder. As reported by The Guardian and other media outlets, the prosecution and defence teams are now preparing for a trial, which the presiding judge has set for 1 February 2027.
What has been the response from authorities and the community?
Throughout the long legal process, authorities have maintained contact with the family of the victim. Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell, who has been leading the investigation for the Metropolitan Police, publicly acknowledged the suffering of those close to the victim.
As reported by ITV News, DCI Foxwell stated: “I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Angela’s family and friends for their patience and unwavering support to the investigation, throughout what has been an incredibly difficult and distressing time for them”.
The case has drawn significant attention both in the UK and abroad, serving as a reminder of the international scope of modern police investigations and the ongoing quest for justice for the victim’s family.
