Sulaiman Tajzai, a teenager who travelled from Leeds to London to kill a man, has pleaded guilty to murder at the Old Bailey. The 19-year-old admitted to the killing of Farmanullah Sherzad, 22, who was stabbed to death in Westminster in March. Tajzai also pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article during the hearing on Friday, September 11.
Attack details and investigation
Farmanullah Sherzad was found with fatal stab wounds at 10.15pm on March 27 on Abbey Orchard Street, near the Houses of Parliament. He died 20 minutes later. Police investigation revealed that Tajzai had purchased a knife from a corner shop in Leeds before travelling to London, although the motive for the attack remains unclear.
CCTV footage showed Tajzai lurking outside Sherzad's home, waiting for him to return from work. When Sherzad arrived, Tajzai chased him and stabbed him. After the attack, Tajzai fled the scene and discarded a pair of black gloves near St James' Park. The gloves were later found to contain Sherzad's blood, and Tajzai's DNA was recovered from inside them.
Police response and conviction
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, who led the investigation, said: "Our thoughts remain firmly with Farmanullah's family and loved ones as they continue to come to terms with his tragic loss." He added: "While no outcome can undo the suffering caused by his death, we hope today's conviction provides some measure of closure and reassurance that the person responsible has been brought to justice."
Jolley described the case as "devastating" and said: "This is a devastating case in which a young man lost his life after being subjected to a brutal and senseless act of violence. No family should have to endure the pain of losing a loved one in such circumstances." He also commended the investigative team for their work in piecing together CCTV and forensic evidence, and thanked members of the public who assisted officers.
Sentencing and impact
Tajzai is now due to be sentenced at the Old Bailey. The conviction brings a measure of closure to Sherzad's family, who have been left to come to terms with the loss of a young man whose life was cut short by a senseless act of violence. The case highlights the thorough work of the Metropolitan Police in bringing offenders to justice.
