Sulaiman Tajzai sentenced to life with 25‑year minimum for Westminster murder
The 18‑year‑old asylum seeker received a life term after a court found him guilty of killing Farmanullah Sherzad on Abbey Orchard Street
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On 18 September 2026, the Old Bailey handed down a life sentence, with a minimum term of 25 years, to Sulaiman Tajzai, 18, for the fatal stabbing of 26‑year‑old Farmanullah Sherzad on Abbey Orchard Street, Westminster. The judgment was delivered by Judge Angela Rafferty KC, who described the attack as exceptionally violent.
Background to the attack
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Sherzad was found with multiple stab wounds at around 10.15 pm on 27 March 2026. He died shortly after emergency services arrived. Police reports state that Tajzai had travelled more than 150 miles from Leeds to London on the day of the murder, allegedly purchasing a knife in Leeds before boarding a train.
Investigation and evidence
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley of the Metropolitan Police said his team pieced together CCTV footage that showed Tajzai waiting outside Sherzad’s residence and then following him onto Abbey Orchard Street. Forensic analysis of a pair of black gloves left near St James’ Park matched Tajzai’s DNA and contained Sherzad’s blood, linking the suspect directly to the scene.
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Christopher Rocha, 22, of Kilburn Lane, appeared in Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 12 September and remains in custody pending a hearing at Wood Green Crown Court on 9 October.
Our thoughts remain with Farmanullah's family and loved ones, who continue to face the unimaginable consequences of his death.
Wayne Jolley, Detective Chief Inspector, Met Police
Sentencing
Judge Rafferty noted that Tajzai had pleaded guilty to murder and possession of a bladed article. She rejected any claim of justification, stating that the defendant’s personal grudge was based on a false belief about the victim’s background. The judge ordered a life term with a 25‑year tariff, meaning Tajzai will not be eligible for parole until that point.
Tajzai retains the right to appeal the sentence, though any challenge will have to address the extensive CCTV and forensic record presented at trial. The Metropolitan Police said it will continue monitoring high‑risk individuals and reviewing security footage to prevent similar incidents.
Questions this report answers
+What sentence did Sulaiman Tajzai receive?
Sulaiman Tajzai was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years, as ordered by Judge Angela Rafferty KC at the Old Bailey on 18 September 2026. He will not be considered for parole until after that period.
+When and where did the murder take place?
The murder occurred on 27 March 2026 on Abbey Orchard Street in Westminster. Farmanullah Sherzad was attacked at about 10.15 pm and died shortly after emergency services arrived.
+Who led the police investigation into the killing?
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley led the Metropolitan Police investigation. He said his team used CCTV footage and forensic evidence, including DNA from gloves, to build the case against Tajzai.
+What evidence linked Tajzai to the crime?
CCTV captured Tajzai waiting outside the victim’s home and following him onto Abbey Orchard Street. Forensic testing of gloves left at the scene matched Tajzai’s DNA and contained Sherzad’s blood, providing a direct link.
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