Man who shouted ‘I am God’ while stabbing woman to death pleads guilty to manslaughter

By Claudia Lee

A man who stabbed his elderly neighbour in the neck in August 2021 has pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Aaron Cook, 23, admitted killing 76-year-old Bella Nicandro by reason of diminished responsibility.

After the attack, Cook left Ms Nicandro in her flat in St Luke’s Road, Notting Hill, with fatal injuries.

On Saturday, August 14, 2021, Cook was seen in the street behaving strangely with his arms covered in blood.

He is also alleged to have tried to stab a young child, but was stopped by the mother and then restrained by members of the public.

During the incident he was heard shouting “I am God, I am God”.

Police searched the block of flats where Cook lived after reports of a disturbance and found Ms Nicandro with head and neck wounds.

She was treated at the scene but died from her injuries.

At a hearing in November last year Cook had denied murder, attempted grievous bodily harm to a child and racially aggravated harassment, but admitted manslaughter.

Prosecutor Anthony Orchard KC said the manslaughter plea was accepted by the Crown on Friday and he asked for the other charges to lie on file.

Judge Alexia Durran adjourned sentencing until January 23.

Pictured top: Bella Nicandro was found with head and neck wounds after being attacked by Aaron Cook in August 2021 (Picture: The Met)