Two Men Found Guilty of Brutal Double Murder in NW London
Kaziku Tuwisana, 33, homeless, and Besnik Berisha, 43, of Martock Gardens, N11, were found guilty of murdering Arber Fesko, 30, and Shkelqim Paja, 36. The verdict was delivered on Friday, 9 July, at the Old Bailey. Sentencing is set for Friday, 16 July.
Money Dispute Sparks Deadly Attack
The court heard that Paja and Berisha had known each other for three years, but their friendship soured over a £15,000 debt. On 18 December 2019, Paja feared Berisha was plotting against him. Despite this, Berisha promised to repay the full amount the next day.
Later that evening, Paja and family friend Fesko visited Courtlands Avenue, NW7. Meanwhile, Berisha met Tuwisana in Stratford and together they bought lighter fluid, disposable gloves, and cloths from shops in Highbury.
CCTV Captures Chilling Crime Scene
- Berisha’s distinctive white Peugeot van was seen near Highbury & Islington station before heading to Courtlands Avenue around 7 PM.
- Witnesses spotted a violent assault on one man, while another was found collapsed further down the street.
- Police found blood matching Paja’s, mobile phones belonging to both victims, cable ties, a knife linked to Tuwisana, and an empty sheath traced to Berisha.
- Disposable gloves found matched those bought earlier by the pair.
Body Discovered in Boot of Car After Fake Attack Claim
Shortly after the assault call-out, Tuwisana reported being attacked at London Gateway Services on the M1 with a stab wound to his arm. Police discovered the body of Arber Fesko in the boot of a black Mercedes, stabbed multiple times. Inside the vehicle were cable ties and a crowbar.
Tuwisana claimed he was caught in a fight and dumped there, but the car was registered to Shkelqim Paja. Tuwisana was arrested and taken to hospital.
The next day, Paja’s body was found dumped in a hedgerow in Radlett, Hertfordshire, also stabbed repeatedly. Police recovered a baseball cap and cable ties near the scene.
Forensic and CCTV Evidence Seals Fate
- Berisha was arrested on 23 December but denied involvement, claiming he sold the van before the murders. DVLA checks proved the sale document was lodged the day after the murders.
- The van was found abandoned in Barnet on 30 December; CCTV showed it was dumped the day after the killings.
- Paja’s blood was found inside the van, proving the body had been transported there.
- Blood matching Fesko’s was found on the glove box, indicating someone with his blood touched it.
- A knife recovered in the van fitted the sheath found at the murder scene.
Detective Sergeant Pete Walker, Met Specialist Crime Command, said: “Both defendants refused to explain why they brutally attacked Shkelqim Paja and Arber Fesko. But the evidence we gathered was irrefutable. Our team’s dedication has ensured Berisha and Tuwisana are held accountable.Nothing will bring Shkelqim and Arber back, but I hope these convictions deliver justice for their families.”
