The family of convicted murderer Vickrum Digwa has spoken publicly about the devastating impact the case has had on their lives, as they continue to come to terms with the consequences of the killing of 18-year-old university student Henry Nowak.
Digwa, 23, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years after being found guilty of murdering Henry in Southampton. The case attracted national attention due to the shocking circumstances surrounding the attack and the events that followed.
Henry, a first-year university student with his future ahead of him, was fatally stabbed during an encounter in December 2025. The court heard that the attack was unprovoked and that attempts were later made to conceal evidence connected to the crime.
In the aftermath of the conviction, members of Digwa’s family have described the emotional toll the case has taken on them, saying the tragedy has left lasting scars on everyone involved. Relatives expressed sorrow for the loss suffered by Henry’s family while acknowledging the immense damage caused by Digwa’s actions.
Family members said they continue to struggle with the reality of what happened and the public reaction that followed. They described living with fear, anxiety and uncertainty as tensions surrounding the case continue to be felt within the local community.
The case also brought attention to Digwa’s mother, who was convicted of assisting an offender after removing and hiding the weapon used in the attack. She is due to be sentenced separately. Family members have spoken of their concern for her wellbeing, describing the difficult position she found herself in after the incident.
Court proceedings revealed that following the stabbing, attempts were made to remove key evidence from the scene. Prosecutors argued that these actions hindered the investigation and demonstrated a deliberate effort to protect the offender.
The murder of Henry Nowak sparked widespread public anger and renewed debate surrounding knife crime, policing and public safety. The case gained further attention after details emerged about the response to the incident and the treatment of Henry in the moments before his death.
Henry’s family have repeatedly paid tribute to him as a kind, hardworking and ambitious young man whose life was cut tragically short. They have continued to campaign for accountability and improvements in how serious incidents are handled by authorities.
Meanwhile, the wider investigation into matters connected to the case remains ongoing. Additional legal proceedings involving members of Digwa’s family relating to alleged weapons offences are still before the courts.
As the legal process continues, the murder remains one of the most widely discussed criminal cases in recent years, prompting conversations across the country about justice, community relations and the devastating consequences of violent crime.
For Henry’s loved ones, however, the focus remains on remembering a young man whose future was taken away far too soon. While court verdicts have now been delivered, the pain of his loss continues to be felt by those who knew and loved him.
