Law Student Shot Dead in Mistaken Tyre Shop Hit
Nineteen-year-old law student Aya Hachem was tragically gunned down on King Street, Blackburn on Sunday, May 17, 2020. She was just out shopping for food for her family when killer Zamir Raja fired two shots from a passing car — aiming for a local tyre shop owner but hitting Aya instead.
Hitman Fired Shots From Moving Car
Zamir Raja sat in the back of a Toyota Avensis, driven by Anthony Ennis, as they cruised past Quickshine Tyres. Raja fired two shots: one shattered a shop window, the other fatally struck Aya. The intended target was Pachah Khan, owner of the tyre shop, caught up in a bitter feud with rival Feroz Suleman of RI Tyres.
Aya had no ties to the feud, the businesses involved, or anyone connected to the crime. She was simply an innocent caught in the crossfire.
Eight Convicted Ahead of Latest Guilty Verdict
In August 2021, eight people were sentenced for their roles in the shooting. Today, March 29, 2023, another man linked to the attack was found guilty of Aya’s murder and the attempted murder of Pachah Khan.
Louis Otway, 42, from Manchester, helped organise the hit and coordinated between the Blackburn-based Ayaz Hussain and the shooter Zamir Raja plus driver Anthony Ennis. Otway will face sentencing on May 5.
A second suspect, Suhayl Suleman, 38, was cleared of murder and attempted murder charges.
Police and Family Speak Out
Detective Inspector Ian Moore said: “Aya Hachem’s life – full of promise – was brutally cut short. Lewis Otway played a key role in organising the plot which led to Aya’s murder. I thank the jury and prosecution for their efforts. We’ve shown Lancashire Constabulary will never give up on bringing killers to justice.”
Aya’s family said: “We thank God for the justice served today. You were our beautiful angel, taken too soon. Despite struggles, you gave so much back, including charity work and campaigning while studying law. Your name now appears on the Law Society’s roll of solicitors. We love and miss you forever.”
Previously Sentenced in the Bloody Feud
- Feroz Suleman, 40, Blackburn – 34 years for organising the hit.
- Zamir Raja, 33, Manchester – 34 years for sourcing the gun and firing shots.
- Anthony Ennis, 31, Partington – 33 years as the getaway driver.
- Ayaz Hussain, 35, Blackburn – 32 years for coordinating between the teams.
- Abubakr Satia, 32, Blackburn – 28 years for sourcing the car and attempted cover-up.
- Kashif Manzoor, 26, Blackburn – 27 years for prepping the getaway car.
- Uthman Satia, 29, Great Harwood – 28 years for helping transport the shooter and driver.
- Judy Chapman, 26, Great Harwood – convicted of manslaughter, acquitted of murder and attempted murder.
This horrific gangland shooting left a community shaken and a promising young life brutally ended, but justice is finally closing in. Aya’s killers face long jail terms, bringing some solace to her devastated family.
