TEEN JAILED FOR LIFE AFTER TRAVELING MORE THAN 150 MILES TO KILL 26-YEAR-OLD MAN IN LONDON

LONDON — An 18-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison after traveling more than 150 miles from Leeds to London and carrying out a fatal attack on a 26-year-old man outside his home.

Sulaiman Tajzai, of Leeds, pleaded guilty to the murder of Farmanullah Sherzad, who was killed in Westminster on March 27, 2026.

On Friday, September 18, a judge at the Old Bailey sentenced Tajzai to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years for murder and possession of a bladed article.

The court heard that the killing followed a personal dispute that had developed over several months.

Investigators said Tajzai had previously traveled to London to identify Sherzad’s home and workplace before returning to the capital on the day of the killing.

A JOURNEY FROM LEEDS TO LONDON

According to evidence presented in court, Tajzai traveled from Leeds toward London on March 27 carrying out what prosecutors described as a planned pursuit of Sherzad.

CCTV footage captured Tajzai purchasing a knife from a convenience store in Leeds.

He was later seen in London waiting near Sherzad’s home.

When Sherzad returned from work, Tajzai confronted him outside the property.

The victim attempted to get away, but CCTV captured Tajzai chasing him along Abbey Orchard Street in Westminster.

The attack continued in public before Tajzai fled the area.

Sherzad was found unconscious by a member of the public, who called emergency services.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that he had suffered multiple stab wounds.

THE CASE THAT HAD DEVELOPED BEFORE THE KILLING

The court heard that the hostility between the two men had its origins in a dispute involving Tajzai’s cousin and the cousin’s wife.

According to prosecutors, there was a previous connection between Sherzad and the woman that had later deteriorated.

In October 2025, police were called to the couple’s home in Leeds, where Sherzad was found tied up on the floor.

He was arrested on suspicion of stalking and trespass with intent to commit a sexual offense but was later released with no further action.

The prosecution said Tajzai subsequently claimed that he was in a relationship with the woman and that he had traveled to Leeds after she invited him through Snapchat.

The dispute continued.

Tajzai eventually developed what prosecutors described as a personal grudge against Sherzad.

The court heard that he falsely believed Sherzad was associated with the Taliban.

Prosecutors also said Tajzai had a personal connection to the Taliban through his family, with the group having previously kidnapped his father and being suspected of killing him.

POLICE FOUND A TRAIL OF EVIDENCE

After the killing, Tajzai attempted to leave London.

Investigators determined that he had traveled to London and then attempted to return to Leeds by train.

CCTV footage became an important part of the investigation.

Police were able to track his movements before and after the attack, including footage showing him purchasing the knife and later pursuing Sherzad through Westminster.

A pair of black gloves was also recovered near St James’ Park and provided forensic evidence linking Tajzai to the crime.

The Metropolitan Police said detectives painstakingly pieced together CCTV and forensic evidence to build the case against him.

VICTIM REMEMBERED AS HARD-WORKING AND KIND

While the court heard extensive evidence about the circumstances of the killing, Sherzad’s loved ones spoke about a very different side of the 26-year-old.

In victim impact statements, his family described him as a friendly, polite and respectful person who was known for being well-mannered and tolerant.

Sherzad loved cricket and was described as a very good fast bowler.

He was also hardworking, regularly working six or seven days a week.

His death left his family facing the loss of a young man who had been building his life and working toward his future.

JUDGE SENTENCES TAJZAI TO LIFE

At the Old Bailey, Judge Angela Rafferty KC described the killing as an exceptionally violent attack.

The court heard that Tajzai had effectively traveled from Leeds to London to confront Sherzad after developing a personal grudge against him.

Tajzai had already pleaded guilty to murder and possession of a bladed article.

The judge ultimately sentenced him to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 25 years before he can be considered for release.

Because of the life sentence, his eventual release is not automatic and would remain subject to the relevant legal process after the minimum term.

“NOTHING CAN EVER UNDO THEIR PAIN”

Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, who led the Metropolitan Police investigation, said his thoughts remained with Sherzad’s family and loved ones.

He said investigators had worked carefully to piece together CCTV and forensic evidence and described the sentence as reflecting the seriousness of the attack.

For Sherzad’s family, however, no sentence can bring him back.

The 26-year-old had gone about his ordinary life, working and pursuing the things he loved, before becoming the target of a dispute that ultimately ended with his death.

Now, his family is left to remember him for the person he was — a young man described by those closest to him as kind, respectful, hardworking and passionate about cricket.

Tajzai will spend at least the next 25 years in prison under the minimum term imposed by the court.

The case has now reached its sentencing stage, bringing a legal conclusion to a killing that began with a personal dispute and ended with the death of a 26-year-old man in Westminster.