Seven Convicted Over Fatal Drive-By That Killed 19-Year-Old Aya Hachem
Seven men have been found guilty of the brutal murder of Aya Hachem, 19, and the attempted murder of her intended target, Pacha Khan, following a twelve-week trial at Preston Crown Court. A woman, Judy Chapman, was convicted of Aya’s manslaughter but cleared of attempted murder. Each defendant played a distinct role in the deadly drive-by shooting in Blackburn.
Cold-Blooded Crime Plan Unravelled
- Feroz Suleman, 40, masterminded the hit. He owned the rival business RI Tyres.
- Abubakr Satia, 32, supplied the getaway car and attempted to burn it out after the shooting.
- Kashif Manzoor, 26, kept the getaway car running on the big day.
- Judy Chapman, 26, drove the gunman and driver to the scene and picked them up afterwards.
- Uthman Satia, 29, Chapman’s partner, assisted in ferrying the shooters.
- Ayaz Hussain, 35, linked Lancashire and Manchester crews and helped organise the shooting.
- Zamir Raja, 33, provided the firearm and pulled the trigger.
- Anthony Ennis, 31, drove the car that carried the gunman.
The hit was sparked by fierce rivalry between Suleman and Khan, owners of neighbouring businesses competing in tyre sales. Days of planning included buying a cheap Toyota Avensis for the hit, scouting routes, and coordinating burner phones to avoid detection.
Tragic Twist: Aya Hachem Shot Dead, Intended Target Escapes
On May 17, Aya was out shopping for her family’s Ramadan meal when she was fatally hit by a stray bullet fired from the passing Avensis. The bullet passed through her body and lodged in a nearby telegraph pole.
Police launched Operation Colindale, arresting 23 involved or aiding suspects across Lancashire, Manchester, the West Midlands, and even international locations like Glasgow, Dublin, Spain, and Portugal.
Manhunt and Arrests Follow Flight From Justice
After the shooting, the shooter Zamir Raja and driver Anthony Ennis fled to mainland Europe. Raja was arrested at London’s Euston Station after returning from Portugal, and Ennis was later arrested in Spain before extradition.
Key arrests began the day after the shooting, with Suleman and others following soon after. Police recovered wiped phone data and CCTV footage implicating the accused. The investigation revealed the chilling sequence of the shooting and the cold efficiency with which the crime was executed.
Justice for Aya—Victim’s Family Speak Out
“We thank God for the justice that has been served today,” Aya’s family said. “To our dear beautiful angel in heaven, you will remain in our hearts forever. Despite all struggles, you contributed to your community and were studying to become a barrister.”
“We thank Detective Chief Inspector Zoe Russo, her team, the Crown Prosecution Service, and the jury for their dedication. Special thanks to the community of Blackburn for their support during this difficult time.”
Police Praise Forensic and Detective Work
Detective Chief Inspector Zoe Russo said, “These convictions are the result of months of meticulous police work across the UK and Europe. Aya’s family will never get over their loss, but we hope this verdict helps them begin to heal.”
Senior Crown Prosecutor Alan Richardson added, “This ruthless gang planned a daytime assassination, showing no remorse even when Aya, an innocent woman, was killed. Thanks to detailed forensic and CCTV analysis, justice has now been served.”
The seven men face sentencing on August 5th, with Judy Chapman’s sentence expected in October.
