HAFIZ SHARIFI MURDERS FATIMA IN HIGHFIELDS LEICESTER AFTER DRUG AND ALCOHOL FUELED ATTACK
| Red Rose Database
Highfields Domestic Homicide
Hafiz Sharifi, a 30-year-old man originally from Afghanistan, was found guilty of the brutal murder of 32-year-old Suvekshya Burathoki, known as Fatima, in her home located on Bartholomew Street in the Highfields area of Leicester. The tragic incident occurred on October 8, and the court proceedings revealed a disturbing account of how the events unfolded.
According to evidence presented during the trial, Sharifi gained entry into Fatima’s residence after a night of heavy drinking and cocaine use. Once inside, he launched a violent assault, stabbing her multiple times in a frenzied attack. The injuries inflicted were severe, totaling 17 wounds that included fatal stab wounds to her neck, torso, and heart. The court heard that during the assault, Sharifi was fully aware of his actions, showing no remorse as he continued to attack Fatima despite her desperate screams for him to stop. Her children, who were present in the home, also pleaded with him to cease his violence, but their cries went unheard.
Following the attack, Sharifi wiped his bloodstained hands on his three-year-old daughter’s coat before fleeing the scene. The horrific crime shocked the local community and prompted a swift police response. Two days later, officers apprehended Sharifi in Coventry. During police interviews, he admitted to the murder, explaining that his actions were influenced by alcohol and drugs, which he claimed impaired his judgment. In a statement of remorse, he expressed sorrow for the children, stating, “I feel sorry for the children, they’ve lost their mum and dad and it will be hard for them. I’ve destroyed everything for myself and the children. I was angry and drunk and I couldn’t help myself.”
Investigations revealed that Sharifi’s relationship with Fatima had been tumultuous, characterized by episodes of domestic violence. Police had been called to their home on multiple occasions due to disputes. The couple had separated and undergone an Islamic divorce several weeks or months prior to her death. Despite threats made by Sharifi, including a warning to kill her if he saw her with another man, Fatima did not report these threats to authorities.
On the morning of the murder, Sharifi had made repeated attempts to contact Fatima through phone calls and messages before forcibly entering her home. Witnesses, including her children aged eight, nine, and three, testified that they may have seen the final moments of the attack. The court was told that the attack concluded when Sharifi threw down the knife, wiped his hands on his daughter’s coat, and left the scene. He was later arrested and brought before Leicester Crown Court, where he was convicted of murder. The sentencing hearing was scheduled for later that day, with Judge Timothy Spencer QC set to determine the final punishment. Sharifi’s defense lawyer, Paul Bogan QC, emphasized his client’s remorse and highlighted the troubled history of their relationship, which contributed to the tragic outcome.
According to evidence presented during the trial, Sharifi gained entry into Fatima’s residence after a night of heavy drinking and cocaine use. Once inside, he launched a violent assault, stabbing her multiple times in a frenzied attack. The injuries inflicted were severe, totaling 17 wounds that included fatal stab wounds to her neck, torso, and heart. The court heard that during the assault, Sharifi was fully aware of his actions, showing no remorse as he continued to attack Fatima despite her desperate screams for him to stop. Her children, who were present in the home, also pleaded with him to cease his violence, but their cries went unheard.
Following the attack, Sharifi wiped his bloodstained hands on his three-year-old daughter’s coat before fleeing the scene. The horrific crime shocked the local community and prompted a swift police response. Two days later, officers apprehended Sharifi in Coventry. During police interviews, he admitted to the murder, explaining that his actions were influenced by alcohol and drugs, which he claimed impaired his judgment. In a statement of remorse, he expressed sorrow for the children, stating, “I feel sorry for the children, they’ve lost their mum and dad and it will be hard for them. I’ve destroyed everything for myself and the children. I was angry and drunk and I couldn’t help myself.”
Investigations revealed that Sharifi’s relationship with Fatima had been tumultuous, characterized by episodes of domestic violence. Police had been called to their home on multiple occasions due to disputes. The couple had separated and undergone an Islamic divorce several weeks or months prior to her death. Despite threats made by Sharifi, including a warning to kill her if he saw her with another man, Fatima did not report these threats to authorities.
On the morning of the murder, Sharifi had made repeated attempts to contact Fatima through phone calls and messages before forcibly entering her home. Witnesses, including her children aged eight, nine, and three, testified that they may have seen the final moments of the attack. The court was told that the attack concluded when Sharifi threw down the knife, wiped his hands on his daughter’s coat, and left the scene. He was later arrested and brought before Leicester Crown Court, where he was convicted of murder. The sentencing hearing was scheduled for later that day, with Judge Timothy Spencer QC set to determine the final punishment. Sharifi’s defense lawyer, Paul Bogan QC, emphasized his client’s remorse and highlighted the troubled history of their relationship, which contributed to the tragic outcome.