The family of Salford law student Aya Hachem have paid tribute to her in a heartbreaking statement after seven men were found guilty of her murder.
The 19-year-old was fatally wounded when she was caught in the crossfire of a botched shooting planned by a local businessman against a rival on King Street, Blackburn, on the afternoon of May 17, last year.
The attack was the culmination of a long-running feud between the bosses of two tyre companies - Feroz Suleman, of RI Tyres, and Pachah Khan, of Quickshine Tyres.
Yesterday, following a 12-week trial at Preston Crown Court, seven men were found guilty of her murder, with one woman found guilty of manslaughter.
Following the trial, Aya’s heartbroken family paid tribute to their lost daughter, LancsLive reports.
They said: “We thank God for the justice that has been served today.
“To our dear beautiful angel in heaven we know you are in a better and more beautiful place. God chose you from amongst many and blessed you with martyrdom.
“We are so proud of you and we miss you so much – our lives are difficult without you. This is God’s decree and praise be to God for this. You will remain in our hearts forever.
“You loved life and despite all the struggles and barriers that we faced in this country, it did not stop you contributing to your community and charites including the Children’s Society and fundraising at Salford University where you were studying to become a barrister.
“God chose you as an angel in his heaven. Heaven is yours and may God give us the patience after your murder. We love you.
“We thank Detective Chief Inspector Zoe Russo and her team of dedicated police officers who worked so hard to build a strong case against the defendants who have been convicted today.
“Also, to the Crown Prosecution Service, represented by Mr. Johnson, from the first moments of Aya’s murder until the last moments of the trial.
“We also thank Mr Justice Turner, who managed the court proceedings with confidence and wisdom.
“We offer thanks to the jury for their time and effort to listen for 12 weeks and to distinguish truth from falsehood, lies and honesty.
“Special thanks to the ARC Centre and the wider community of Blackburn including the many families that have offered their support in this difficult time.”
After four hours of deliberations, the jury at Preston Crown Court came back with the following results:
- Feroz Suleman, 40, of Shear Brow, Blackburn, was found guilty of murder and attempted murder
- Ayaz Hussain, 35, of Calgary Avenue, Blackburn, was found guilty of murder and attempted
- Zamir Raja, 33, of Davyhulme Road, Stretford, was found guilty of murder and attempted murder
- Antony Ennis, 31, of Grasmere Court, Partington, was found guilty of murder and attempted murder
- Abubakhar Satia, 32, of Oxford Close, Blackburn, was found guilty of murder and attempted murder
- Kashif Manzoor, 26, of Shakeshaft Street, Blackburn was found guilty of murder and attempted murder
- Uthman Satia, 29, St Hubert’s Road, Great Harwood, wasfound guilty of murder and attempted murder
- Judy Chapman, 26, of St Hubert’s Road, Great Harwood, was found guilty of manslaughter
All of the defendants except Chapman will be sentenced on August 5, with Chapman's hearing taking place on October 1.
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