The family of Ilyas Habibi, a 17-year-old who was fatally stabbed outside Sutton train station last December, has been left devastated after learning that the prime suspect in the case managed to flee the country due to a police error. The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed by the Metropolitan Police, allegedly escaped the UK via Gatwick Airport just four days after the murder, despite authorities knowing his identity two days prior to his departure.
Ilyas was attacked on December 5, 2023, as he was making his way home from college. He suffered a fatal knife wound following an altercation with the suspect outside Sutton train station. The teenager, who was studying construction and had a passion for football, was found with severe injuries on Sutton High Street and was pronounced dead a short time later.
The police’s failure to alert border and immigration control in time allowed the suspect to flee the country. The Habibi family was told that a “computer error” had prevented the necessary alerts from being issued, which ultimately enabled the suspect to leave the UK undetected.
In a disturbing turn of events, Ilyas’ older brother has reported receiving taunting messages from the alleged killer via Snapchat. The messages included mocking remarks about Ilyas’ death, including details of how he was left “choking” on his blood, accompanied by laughing emojis. The family has shared these messages with the police but claims to have received little feedback on the investigation’s progress.
Speaking to The Independent, Ilyas’ brother expressed his frustration and anguish over the handling of the case. “I’m only trying to think about who killed my brother. The police don’t even get in contact, someone was murdered and they don’t care,” he said. He added that the police have not provided any significant updates regarding the investigation into a 19-year-old man who was arrested in December on suspicion of assisting an offender but later released on bail.
The Met Police has stated that the investigation remains open and that they are working with international partners to locate and arrest the suspect who fled the country on December 9. A spokesperson for the Met Police said, “Our thoughts remain with Ilyas’ family at what we know is an extremely difficult time. A dedicated family liaison officer is in regular contact with the family to offer support and provide investigative updates.”
The tragic loss of Ilyas has left his family grappling with profound grief and frustration. His brother described the moment they learned of his death, criticizing the police for their lack of sensitivity. “The officers were ridiculous,” he said. “They asked if my parents were related to Ilyas and then just said, ‘Ilyas has been stabbed and he’s dead’. No filters, no sensitivity.”
As the family continues to seek justice for Ilyas, they are also dealing with the ongoing trauma and mental health challenges brought on by his loss. The community, along with the family, remains in shock and disbelief that the suspect was able to evade capture and taunt the grieving family from abroad.
The investigation into Ilyas’ murder continues, with police urging anyone with information to come forward as they work to bring the perpetrator to justice
