Teenage Asylum Seeker Jailed for Life for Brutal London Murder

A teenage asylum seeker has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 25 years for the murder of Farmanullah Sherzad, 26. Sulaiman Tajzai, 18, pleaded guilty to murder and possession of a knife at the Old Bailey.

Tajzai traveled more than 150 miles from Leeds to Westminster, where he attacked Mr. Sherzad outside his home on March 27. The court heard that Tajzai had developed a grievance against Mr. Sherzad, falsely believing he was associated with the Taliban and had been messaging Tajzai's cousin's wife. The judge described the attack as 'exceptionally violent' and 'savage,' with Mr. Sherzad sustaining at least 10 stab wounds.

CCTV footage showed Tajzai purchasing a kitchen knife in Leeds on the day of the attack. He then traveled to London, where he was tracked by surveillance cameras to Mr. Sherzad's address. Mr. Sherzad, who had left work at 10 p.m., was ambushed as he cycled home. Security footage captured a struggle, and Mr. Sherzad was heard screaming for his life.

Tajzai fled the scene, discarding gloves that were later found to contain Mr. Sherzad's blood and Tajzai's DNA. He attempted to return to Leeds by train but was arrested at his cousin's house on March 29. Investigators found blood-stained trainers belonging to Tajzai at the address.

The court was informed that Tajzai arrived in the UK in August 2022, claiming to be 14 at the time, and sought asylum the following year. His defense cited post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from violence and the deaths of relatives in his home village.

In October of the previous year, police had responded to a report at Tajzai's cousin's home in Leeds, finding Mr. Sherzad with his wrists tied. Mr. Sherzad was arrested on suspicion of stalking and trespass with intent to commit a sexual offense. He told police he was in a relationship with the wife, who had invited him to Leeds via Snapchat. Tajzai's cousin and his wife subsequently contacted the police multiple times, and were informed that no further action would be taken against Mr. Sherzad.

In January, Tajzai traveled to London to conduct reconnaissance of Mr. Sherzad's home and workplace. The court heard that Tajzai's father had previously been kidnapped by the Taliban, and the group was suspected of killing him.

In victim impact statements, Mr. Sherzad's family described him as a 'friendly, polite, respectful person' who was hard-working and enjoyed cricket. They expressed devastation over his death, calling it cruel and senseless. The prosecution stated that Mr. Sherzad's last moments were spent in terror and anguish.

Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, who led the investigation, called it a devastating case where a young man lost his life due to a brutal and senseless act of violence. The judge emphasized that Tajzai had stalked Mr. Sherzad like prey and had no justifiable grievance.