Chilling moment grinning killer buys knife before travelling 150 miles by train to brutally murder man in ‘stalking row’
THIS is the chilling moment a grinning teenager buys a knife before travelling over 150 miles to kill a man in a stalking row. Suliaman Tajzai, 18, murdered 26-...
THIS is the chilling moment a grinning teenager buys a knife before travelling over 150 miles to kill a man in a stalking row.
Suliaman Tajzai, 18, murdered 26-year-old Farmanullah Sherzad in a “brutal” attack, having travelled to London from on a train on the same day.
Suliaman Tajzai, 18, is seen grinning as he purchases the knife Credit: Met Police
Tajzai pleaded guilty to the murder Credit: PA
The Afghan refugee pleaded guilty to murder and possession of a bladed article at the Old Bailey on Friday (September 11).
He was captured on a corner shop’s CCTV purchasing the weapon at 12.17pm on March 27 before making the journey to carry out the killing.
Tajzai waited outside the victim’s home in for him to return after work at around 10.15pm that evening.
On spotting the teenager, Farmanullah attempted to flee before being chased down and stabbed repeatedly in a frenzied attack.
Farmanullah Sherzad, 26, was stabbed to death outside his home Credit: PA
Tajzai seen leaving the corner shop Credit: Met Police
A member of the public found the victim unconscious and called 999 – but he was pronounced dead at the scene on Abbey Orchard Street.
Tajzai had already fled but dropped a pair of black gloves near St James’ Park which linked him to the .
He later attempted to catch a train at Kings Cross back to Leeds, but missed it and instead caught another service just after 6am the next day.
Subsequent investigations found he had previously made the journey to the capital to scope out his target‘s home address and place of work.
The court heard the animosity against Farmanullah was said to have dated back to the autumn of 2025.
The prosecutor said there was a “pre-existing connection” between the defendant’s cousin’s wife and the victim which had “turned sour”.
On October 3 last year attended the home of the cousin and his wife in Leeds where they found Farmanullah tied up on the floor.
He was arrested on suspicion of stalking and trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence, but later was released with no further action.
However, he went on to claim to be in a relationship with the wife, saying he had come to Leeds to visit after she had invited him on social media platform .
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, who led the , said: “Our thoughts remain firmly with Farmanullah’s family and loved ones as they continue to come to terms with his tragic loss.
“This is a devastating case in which a young man lost his life after being subjected to a brutal and senseless act of violence.
“I would like to commend the dedication and professionalism of the investigative team, who worked meticulously to piece together crucial CCTV, and forensic evidence to build a compelling case.”
Tajzai is due to be sentenced at the Old Bailey on September 18.