Detectives investigating the murder of 19 year old law student Aya Hachem in Blackburn have now charged five people.
The following people were charged yesterday with murder and attempted murder:
- Feroz Suleman, 39, from Blackburn.
- Abubakir Satia, 31, from Blackburn.
- Uthman Satia, 28, from Blackburn.
- Judy Chapman, 26, from Great Harwood.
- Kashif Manzoor, 24, from Blackburn.
The murder charge relates to the killing of Aya Hachem last Sunday outside a Lidl supermarket in Blackburn; and the attempted murder charge relates to the man police believe was the intended target of the attack.
Police say two shots were fired in the incident – the first hit a building and the second sadly hit and killed Aya.
Suleman, Manzoor, Uthman Satia, Abubakir Satia and Chapman all appeared at Preston Magistrates’ Court at separate hearings today.
They are all charged with the 19-year-old’s murder and Suleman and Satia were also charged with the attempted murder of the man police believe was the intended target of the shooting, Pashar Khan.
The suspects were all remanded in custody to appear at Preston Crown Court on Wednesday, and a closure order was made on Suleman’s business, RI Tyres, for up to three months after an application by Lancashire Police.
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Meanwhile, the police have released nine people who were arrested this week on suspicion of murder, attempted murder, assisting an offender and conspiracy to murder. But they all remain under investigation with regard to the case.
Detective Supt Andy Cribbin, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said: “While we have now charged a number of people in connection with Aya’s murder our enquiries are very much on-going. I would like to thank all those who have come forward to assist with our investigation so far and to continue to encourage people to come and speak to us if they have information.”
Any information or video footage can be sent in to the police via the Major Incident Public Portal here. Anybody with any other information is asked to get in touch on 101, quoting log number 0412 of May 18th, or anonymously via independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online here.
