A boy and a girl charged with the murder of 26-year-old Muslim Adam Khan are set to go on trial next year.
The teenagers, both 16, appeared at a preliminary hearing in Luton Crown Court on Friday following the death of Khan
Police said Mr Khan, who lived in Luton, died on 31 August after officers were called to an incident in Humberstone Road, Luton.
The teenagers have been accused of murdering Mr Khan and of possessing a machete.
Police were called shortly after 6pm on Sunday to reports of an altercation involving three people.
Emergency services attended the scene and Khan was taken to hospital with serious injuries. He died a short while later.
Judge Michael Simon said a trial would start on 9 February. He said a further preliminary hearing would be staged on 7 November. The judge remanded both teenagers in custody.
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Neither the boy nor the girl, who will both turn 17 in October, entered any pleas at the hearing.
The girl appeared in court – and spoke to confirm her name – the boy appeared via videolink from a young offender institution.
An order has been made preventing both teenagers from being identified in media reports of the case.
Police say the investigation continues and are asking anyone who has information about the incident to come forward.
“Anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage from around the time and location of the incident is asked to contact us via 101 quoting Op Farnix. Alternatively, you can report to us anonymously via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Speaking to 5Pillars after the incident, former Mayor of Luton, Councillor Tahir Malik, said: “The whole community is completely shocked about what has happened. Adam was a fine young man. He had a good job. As his father had passed away many years ago, Adam really stepped up to help support his mother and siblings.”
Ex-Councillor Malik also expressed concern about the rise in violent knife crime in the town and urged the community and the police to work together to end this scourge.
Shock and mourning
Adam Khan has been described as a “strong, young man,” loved by everyone who met him and with “an unwavering commitment to Islam.”
Crisis Aid, an Islamic charity in Luton that Adam often volunteered with, has also set up a fundraiser to build a mosque in his honour. At the time of writing, donations have exceeded £31K.
The fundraiser states: “The first thing that comes to mind when remembering Adam is his unwavering commitment to Islam. Handsome, strong, and resilient, he was loved by everyone who knew him and left a smile on every face he met. His energy was infectious, his respect for elders remarkable, and his kindness towards the young a reflection of his generous heart.
“At the centre of Adam’s life was Islam and the Sunnah. His faith was not simply a part of him — it was the very foundation of his being. It shaped his character, guided his actions, and gave him the unshakable sense of purpose we all admired.
“Adam’s journey was one of courage and responsibility. After losing his father at a young age, he stepped forward to care for his family with maturity beyond his years. Alongside this responsibility, he worked tirelessly to continue his education, fuelled by a relentless determination to create a better future for his loved ones. His strength and perseverance were an inspiration to us all.
“Adam was also a dedicated volunteer with Crisis Aid, giving countless hours of his time to pack aid, support fundraising, and help deliver relief to those most in need. He was part of our family, and his passing leaves a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, the wider community, and all of us at Crisis Aid.
“Today, we have an opportunity to honour Adam’s legacy. Through the building of Masjid Adam & Educational Complex, we can ensure that his memory lives on, inspiring acts of faith, compassion, and resilience for generations to come. Every contribution will help continue the good he embodied, keeping his spirit alive in service to others.
“Donate today. Be part of Masjid Adam & Educational Complex. Keep his memory alive.”
