A Birmingham man has been found guilty of murder after a drive-by shooting that claimed the life of a teenager riding on an e-bike.
The Fatal Attack
Seeraj Ayub was convicted yesterday, Tuesday, November 11, at Birmingham Crown Court for the murder of 19-year-old Ali Riyan. The conviction followed a two-week trial.
The incident occurred on October 19 of last year on Alderson Road in the Washwood Heath area of Birmingham. Ali Riyan was a passenger on an e-bike when he was targeted.
Detectives from West Midlands Police pieced together the events using extensive CCTV footage. Their investigation revealed that Ayub was in a black Mercedes that followed Ali and his friend.
The car pulled up beside the e-bike after it came to a stop. A gunshot was then fired from a rear passenger window of the Mercedes.
The Investigation and Flight
The duo on the e-bike attempted to ride away, but the Mercedes pursued them. A second shot was fired, which struck Ali Riyan.
A member of the public discovered the injured teenager and performed CPR after calling 999. Paramedics rushed Ali to hospital with serious injuries, but he tragically died two days later on October 21.
Following the shooting, Ayub fled the country. He remained abroad for three months before returning to the UK via a ferry from Dublin on January 28 this year. He was arrested immediately upon his arrival.
After refusing to comment during police interviews, he was charged with murder. Ayub, of Alexander Road, Birmingham, had previously pleaded not guilty but was found guilty by the jury.
Justice Served
Senior Investigating Officer Jenny Birch, from the force's homicide team, spoke after the case. She stated: "I hope this verdict brings some peace to Ali's family. Our team worked tirelessly on this case and I am pleased we have been able to secure justice for Ali and his family."
Seeraj Ayub is scheduled to be sentenced later this year.
