A 23-year-old man has been found guilty of murdering his former girlfriend at an Airbnb property in Earls Court, West London, after becoming increasingly angry when she ended their relationship. Police arrested him as he attempted to flee the country.
A man who became obsessed with his former girlfriend after their relationship ended has been found guilty of murdering her at an Airbnb property in West London.
Deepak Sandhu, 23, was convicted of murdering 39-year-old Xiaoqing Ke following a trial at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 15 October 2026.
The court heard that Sandhu had become increasingly angry after Xiaoqing, who was originally from China, discovered he had been stealing from her and lying during their relationship.
The pair had met in Southampton in early 2025, where Xiaoqing was working in the sex industry. They developed a brief relationship and remained in contact after she moved to London.
However, their relationship deteriorated when Xiaoqing discovered Sandhu's dishonesty and decided to end it.
Messages revealed growing obsession
A Metropolitan Police investigation uncovered messages showing Sandhu's increasing anger towards Xiaoqing following their separation.
Detectives discovered that he had discussed seeking revenge with a friend in the days before the murder.
On 9 December 2025, Sandhu travelled from Southampton to Old Brompton Road in Earls Court, carrying a knife.
He had arranged to meet Xiaoqing at the Airbnb property where she was staying.
After gaining entry to the accommodation, he attacked her with the knife, causing fatal injuries.
Police later discovered Xiaoqing's body inside the property and launched a murder investigation.
Attempt to flee the country
Detectives established that Sandhu left the property approximately 90 minutes after arriving and subsequently began making arrangements to leave the United Kingdom.
He booked a flight to Mumbai and attempted to mislead a family member by claiming another man had killed Xiaoqing while he was present.
However, investigators recovered crucial evidence, including mobile phone messages, clothing and forensic material.
Blood recovered from the scene was matched to Sandhu, helping detectives identify him as the main suspect.
On 12 December 2025, Metropolitan Police officers located and arrested Sandhu while he was travelling on a coach towards the airport.
Police condemn violence against women
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, who led the investigation, said Xiaoqing's family had endured an extremely painful experience.
He explained that investigators had uncovered evidence showing Sandhu had become fixated on Xiaoqing and subjected her to controlling and abusive messages before killing her.
He added:
"Tackling violence against women and girls remains one of our key priorities, and we will do everything to identify those who carry out these offences and bring them to justice."
Sandhu was found guilty at the Old Bailey on 15 October and was due to be sentenced on Friday, 16 October 2026.
Source: Metropolitan Police investigation, as reported by Get West London, 15 October 2026. The supplied report does not confirm the outcome of the scheduled sentencing hearing.
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