A murderer who killed his teenage girlfriend with his recovery truck before lying to police in a 999 call has been convicted. Mohammed Azim, 41, struck 19-year-old Lily Whitehouse with his vehicle in Oldbury last year, leaving her dead in the street. He then moved her body in an attempt to cover up his crime.
The 999 Call
Azim called emergency services and claimed to have witnessed Lily being hit by a car, with the driver fleeing the scene. In a clip released by West Midlands Police, he says: "I need an ambulance please. She's got hit by a car and he [drove] off." However, investigators later proved that Azim himself was responsible for her death.
The Relationship
Lily and Azim had been in an on-and-off relationship since she was 16. The new mother had welcomed a baby with another man before meeting Azim on the evening of November 5. They travelled to Old Park Lane at around 9.40pm, where an argument is believed to have occurred. Lily left the truck, and Azim "nudged" her with the vehicle before hitting her, pinning her against a lamppost. She suffered catastrophic injuries and died instantly or soon after.
The Cover-Up
Azim placed Lily's body in his truck and moved her to Park Street before calling 999 with a fabricated story. West Midlands Police reviewed CCTV footage, which revealed the truth. Detective Inspector Nigel Box said: "Azim tried to cover up Lily’s murder by calling 999 and inventing a story that she was hit by a second vehicle. However, our investigation proved otherwise."
Conviction and Tribute
Azim was found guilty of murder at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Friday, June 19. Lily’s family paid tribute, saying: "While nothing can ever bring Lily back, we take some comfort in knowing that justice has been served. There are no words that can truly capture the pain of losing Lily so young and full of life. Our hearts are broken by this senseless act." They added: "Lily precious, your life was a gift, your loss is a tragedy, and your memory will be cherished forever."
Detective Inspector Box added: "Lily was a young mom who was looking forward to raising her new baby. Azim took that opportunity away and now her baby will grow up without her. My thoughts are with Lily’s loved ones."
