Tragic Hitman Mix-Up: Innocent Student Shot Dead in Blackburn Drive-By
Nineteen-year-old law student Aya Hachem was fatally shot at 3pm on Sunday, May 17, 2020, as she walked along King Street in Blackburn. The innocent young woman was caught in the crossfire during a deadly feud between local tyre shop owners.
Hitman Mistakes Target, Kills Innocent Bystander
Zamir Raja, a hired hitman, fired two shots from the back seat of a Toyota Avensis, driven by Anthony Ennis. Raja’s target was Pachah Khan, owner of Quickshine Tyres. The first bullet smashed a window at Khan’s shop. The second tragically struck Aya, who was simply out buying food and had no links to the feud.
The shooting sparked from a long-running grudge between Feroz Suleman, owner of RI Tyres, and Pachah Khan of Quickshine Tyres.
Justice Served: Hit Squad Sentenced to Decades Behind Bars
- Feroz Suleman, 40, Blackburn – 34 years for masterminding the hit.
- Zamir Raja, 33, Stretford – 34 years for sourcing the gun and pulling the trigger.
- Anthony Ennis, 31, Partington – 33 years as the getaway driver.
- Ayaz Hussain, 35, Blackburn – 32 years for coordinating between Lancashire and Manchester gang members and aiding the attempted cover-up.
- Abubakr Satia, 32, Blackburn – 28 years for providing the getaway car and involvement in cover-up attempts.
- Kashif Manzoor, 26, Blackburn – 27 years for ensuring the Avensis was ready on the day.
- Uthman Satia, 29, Great Harwood – 28 years for helping transport shooter and driver.
- Judy Chapman, 26, Great Harwood – Found guilty of manslaughter, cleared of murder and attempted murder charges.
Community Mourns as Jury Delivers Verdict
“We offer thanks to the jury for their time and effort to listen for 4 weeks and to distinguish truth from falsehood, lies and honesty. Special thanks to the community of Blackburn including the many families that have offered their support in this difficult time,” said the court.
Aya’s family, friends, and the Blackburn community continue to grieve the loss of a bright young student whose life was cruelly cut short in a senseless act of violence.
