Teenager pleads guilty to Westminster murder

An 18-year-old man has pleaded guilty to the murder of Farmanullah Sherzad in Westminster. Suliaman Tajzai admitted his guilt at the Old Bailey on Friday. The court heard that Mr Sherzad, 26, was stabbed to death on Abbey Orchard Street in March 2024.

CCTV evidence

The Metropolitan Police released CCTV footage showing Tajzai chasing Mr Sherzad moments before the fatal attack. Officers were called to the scene at approximately 10.15pm on 27 March after Mr Sherzad was discovered with stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene around 20 minutes later.

The footage also revealed that Tajzai had purchased a knife in Leeds on the day of the murder before travelling to London. He was seen waiting for Mr Sherzad to return from work and then pursuing him when he attempted to flee. Tajzai fled the scene after the stabbing and discarded gloves, which were later found to have Mr Sherzad's blood on them and DNA linked to Tajzai.

Sentencing and investigation

Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, who led the investigation, stated that the conviction offered some measure of closure for Mr Sherzad's family. He commended the investigative team for their work in piecing together CCTV and forensic evidence. Tajzai is due to be sentenced at the Old Bailey on 18 September 2026.