ENDRIS MOHAMMED CONVICTED OF MURDERING CHILDREN IN BIRMINGHAM AND HAMSTEAD
In a tragic and disturbing case that unfolded in Birmingham, Endris Mohammed, aged 47, was found guilty of the brutal murders of his two young children, Saros Endris, who was eight years old, and his sister Leanor, aged six.The court proceedings, held at Birmingham Crown Court, revealed a horrifying sequence of events that culminated in the loss of two innocent lives and a subsequent attempt by Mohammed to take his own life.
According to the evidence presented, Mohammed, who was also an Uber driver, carried out the murders at his family home in Holland Road, Great Barr.
The court heard that he used a petrol-soaked cloth to smother his children during a family gathering, specifically during a half-term sleepover downstairs.
At the time, their mother, Penil Teklehaimanot, was upstairs sleeping, unaware of the tragedy unfolding below.
It was only after the fire was ignited that she was awakened by a smoke alarm in the early hours of October 28, 2017.
Mrs.
Teklehaimanot recounted her harrowing experience to the jury, describing how she descended the stairs and saw flames at the front door.
Frightened and panicked, she screamed and managed to carry her children out of the house with the assistance of a neighbor.
She described finding Saros and Leanor unresponsive in the lounge, with Leanor sleeping on her stomach.
Despite her efforts to wake them, they did not respond, and she had to carry Saros outside.
Emergency services arrived promptly, but tragically, both children were pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
The mother sustained minor injuries during the ordeal.
Throughout the trial, it was noted that Mohammed appeared outwardly normal in the days leading up to the murders.
His wife described him as a gentle and quiet man who had not exhibited any signs of anger or irritability before the tragic event.
However, the court also learned that on the night of the killings, Mohammed set fire to his taxi, a Vauxhall Insignia, after fleeing the scene of the murders.
He had purchased a fuel can and three liters of petrol the day before, indicating premeditation.
The court heard that he drove approximately 40 miles before attempting to end his life by igniting the vehicle in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire.
Passersby noticed the burning car and called emergency services, leading to Mohammed being rescued from the flames with severe burns to his face and arms.
In police interviews, he admitted that he bought the petrol with the intention of killing himself, stating that he thought “today would be a nice day to die.” The court also learned that Mohammed had a history of depression, which he claimed to have been suffering from, and he argued that diminished responsibility should be considered.
Despite this, he did not testify in his own defense but was represented by legal counsel who argued that his mental state was a factor.
The prosecution, however, maintained that the evidence pointed to a deliberate act of murder.
Mohammed, who met his wife in 2006 after arriving in Britain from East Africa as an asylum seeker, now faces a life sentence.
The jury convicted him of two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.
The verdict was delivered swiftly, with Mohammed showing no visible emotion as the jury returned their decision just 30 minutes after retiring.
Following the verdict, trial judge Mr.
Justice Gilbart addressed the jury, emphasizing the importance of their service and thanking them for their work.
He also indicated that the case would proceed to sentencing the following Monday, where the court would consider appropriate punishment, especially given the gravity of the loss of two children.
The sentencing is scheduled for next week, and the community awaits the outcome of this tragic case.
