Murdered Student ‘Did Not Die With Dignity’ Says Family
Murdered student did not die – The family of Henry Nowak, the 18-year-old student who was killed in December, has expressed deep sorrow over his death, describing it as a tragedy that will haunt them for years to come. They have emphasized that Henry’s final moments were marked by injustice, urging the government to address knife crime as a pressing national issue. This emotional appeal followed the sentencing of Vickrum Digwa, a 23-year-old man who was given a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years for the attack in Southampton.
Police Actions Under Scrutiny
Digwa, who claimed the 21cm (8in) blade he used was part of his Sikh faith, was found guilty of stabbing Henry. The incident unfolded in a stressful moment, but the family argued that the treatment Henry received from police was inhumane. Bodycam footage, shared with their consent, captured the moment officers arrived at the scene and interacted with Digwa and others. Henry’s older sister, Olivia Nowak, described how he was “handcuffed as he lay dying,” a detail that highlighted the family’s anguish.
“The day we got the knock on the door to say my brother had passed, I don’t think there are any words to describe that type of pain. A lot of myself died when he died,” Olivia Nowak said in court.
The family’s grief was compounded by the fact that Digwa had misled authorities, lying about being the victim of a racist attack. This deception led to Henry being treated as a suspect, despite the judge’s later assurance that the victim had not said anything racist. Judge William Mousley KC noted that the incident had “stirred up racial tension in Southampton and across the country,” making many Sikhs feel unsafe.
Impact on Family and Community
Henry’s mother, Lucy Ross, shared her sorrow in a statement read out during the trial. “Being told that your son has died is something no one can ever truly come to terms with,” she said. The circumstances of his death, she added, were “so tragic and unimaginable that the pain is beyond anything I knew existed.” For her, Henry was a source of pride, as the first grandchild of her elderly parents to attend university. His qualities—ambitious, determined, and full of life—left a lasting impression on the family.
“There will always be a hole in our hearts that can never be repaired,” Lucy Ross said.
Katie Woodcock, Henry’s stepmother, recounted the horrors of the night he died. She described watching her husband, Mark Nowak, “unable to stand” after learning of Henry’s fate, and hearing his “raw, unfiltered sobs” fill the house. Woodcock also remembered finding her 10-year-old child “curled up at the top of stairs, alone and frightened,” having overheard the news through conversations. The emotional toll of the tragedy extended to the entire family, with Henry’s absence felt deeply in every moment.
“I replay the horrors of that night over again. It keeps me awake at night,” Katie Woodcock said.
The family’s pain was further intensified by Henry’s connection to his university. Days before the attack, he had joined them at a pantomime, a lighthearted event that underscored his joy and vitality. His stepmother recalled waving him off to Southampton, where he returned to a city “not safe for him.” The symbolic act of clearing his room at university revealed the depth of his loss, with an advent calendar only partially opened breaking her spirit.
Call for Systemic Change
The case has prompted broader calls for reform. Hampshire Police has apologized for their handling of the incident, but the family remains critical of the response. Donna Jones, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and Isle of Wight, acknowledged the stress of the situation but stressed the need to investigate errors. She wrote to the prime minister, requesting an “urgent review on the carrying of bladed articles for religious and ceremonial purposes,” highlighting the intersection of faith and criminal intent.
Despite the police’s “shocking actions” on the “fateful night” Henry died, his father, Mark Nowak, expressed gratitude to the murder investigation team. “They secured justice for our son and for that our family will be forever grateful,” he said in a statement read after Digwa’s sentencing. The family acknowledged the role of the investigators in uncovering the truth, even as they mourned the loss of their loved one.
“Henry was the most wonderful, funny, handsome, kind, precious, smart boy. He lit every room he walked in,” Olivia Nowak said.
Henry’s death has left an indelible mark on his family and community. The family’s message is clear: his life was cut short, and the way he died was not one they would ever forget. Olivia Nowak added that his passing has “layered on top” of her own grief, as she watches her younger siblings cope with their loss. She said Henry’s grave is the only place where she feels close to him, a sanctuary of memories amid sorrow.
While the legal system has delivered a sentence, the family’s plea for justice extends beyond the courtroom. They hope the incident will spark a nationwide conversation about how knife crime affects lives and how police interactions can shape perceptions of safety. For them, Henry’s story is a reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring impact of tragedy.
Warning: This story contains details some may find upsetting.
