A man dressed as a clown, described as a “remorseless killer,” launched a brutal attack on a male model following a Halloween party. Luke Harden, 36, sustained fatal injuries to his head, face, and neck after being assaulted in the street. The attacker, Bhekisani Matabiswana, initially claimed to have found Luke collapsed and attempted to help him but later admitted to assaulting him, although he denied certain aspects of the attack.
Matabiswana, who tried to flee the country, was apprehended at Manchester Airport after the incident. Despite denying the murder charge, he was convicted by a jury. Luke, a DJ at a Halloween event in Lancashire, crossed paths with Matabiswana at the party but left separately.
Surveillance footage captured the moments leading up to the assault, showing Matabiswana and Luke interacting before the attack occurred. Matabiswana was seen assaulting Luke while he was defenseless on the ground. Instead of seeking help, Matabiswana used Luke’s phone to contact his friends and family, portraying himself as a Good Samaritan.
Emergency services arrived at the scene, but Luke was pronounced dead shortly after. Matabiswana and his partner were arrested, with Matabiswana claiming self-defense in the attack. However, his conflicting statements and actions, including attempts to flee, raised suspicions.
The investigating officer condemned Matabiswana’s callous behavior, highlighting his lack of remorse and attempts to evade justice. Matabiswana’s guilt was affirmed by the jury’s verdict, holding him accountable for Luke’s murder.
