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Afghan Migrant Stabbed Shop Worker to Death in 'Savage' Attack
Afghan migrant sentenced to life after traveling 150 miles to kill shop worker who was messaging his cousin's wife.
In brief
Afghan migrant sentenced to life after traveling 150 miles to kill shop worker who was messaging his cousin's wife. 18-year-old Afghan migrant Sulaiman Tajzai was jailed for life after murdering 26-year-old Farmanullah Sherzad in a knife attack following false beliefs about stalking his cousin's wife. Originally…
Sulaiman Tajzai, 18, sentenced to life
Sulaiman Tajzai, 18, pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to the murder of 26-year-old Farmanullah Sherzad.
Tajzai traveled 150 miles to kill Sherzad
Tajzai traveled more than 150 miles from Leeds to Westminster to stab Sherzad after falsely believing he was in the Taliban and stalking his cousin's wife.
CCTV shows Tajzai bought knife near home
CCTV footage shows Tajzai buying a knife at a shop near his Leeds home on March 27 before traveling to Sherzad's Westminster address.
Sherzad killed outside home in Westminster
Sherzad was ambushed outside his home in Westminster by Tajzai and chased down the streets before being stabbed to death on March 27.
Tajzai claimed to be 14 when entering UK
Tajzai claimed to be aged 14 when entering the UK in August 2022, going on to claim asylum the following year.
Tajzai had post-traumatic stress disorder
Frida Hussain, KC, defending, said Tajzai was suffering post traumatic stress disorder from exposure to frequent violence in his village and the death of relatives.
Sherzad was stalking Tajzai's cousin's wife
Sherzad was arrested on suspicion of stalking Tajzai's cousin's wife after police found him sitting on the floor with wrists tied together and no shoes on.
Tajzai bought knife in Leeds
Tajzai bought a knife at a shop in Leeds before traveling to London to carry out reconnaissance near Sherzad's workplace.
Tajzai wore medical mask and gloves
Tajzai arrived at London's King's Cross station wearing a medical facemask, distinctive jacket, and dark gloves.
Sherzad ran screaming from attack
Sherzad ran screaming for his life as Tajzai attacked him, with security camera footage showing a scuffle near Sherzad's home.
Tajzai dropped blood-stained gloves
Tajzai dropped a pair of black gloves near St James' Park, with Sherzad's blood found on them and DNA linked to Tajzai.
Sherzad died after 20 minutes
Sherzad suffered multiple stab wounds and died 20 minutes later despite medical efforts.
Tajzai missed train and was arrested
Tajzai missed a train from King's Cross and was arrested at his cousin's house in Leeds on March 29.
Tajzai had false belief about Sherzad
Tajzai falsely believed Sherzad was in the Taliban and had stalked his cousin's wife with the intention of having sex with her.
Sherzad was a kind, respectful man
Sherzad was described as a friendly, polite, respectful person who was always well mannered and tolerant.
Judge sentenced Tajzai to life with 25 years
Judge Angela Rafferty KC sentenced Tajzai to life with a minimum term of 25 years for murder and possession of a knife.
The short version
18-year-old Afghan migrant Sulaiman Tajzai was jailed for life after murdering 26-year-old Farmanullah Sherzad in a knife attack following false beliefs about stalking his cousin's wife.
