Mohammed Azim, 41, has been convicted of murdering 19-year-old Lily Whitehouse in Dudley. The pair first met in a chance encounter when Lily was just 16 and Azim was 39. Detective Inspector Nigel Box described the meeting as a 'chance encounter' where Azim approached Lily on the street, engaged her in conversation, and exchanged phone numbers.
Relationship and Power Imbalance
Over the next three years, Lily and Azim had an on-and-off relationship. Det Insp Box noted the significant power gap due to Azim's age and the fact that he was working while Lily relied on him. Lily had recently given birth to a baby with another man and was visiting the infant in hospital on November 5, 2025, which was Azim's 41st birthday.
The Night of the Murder
After visiting her baby, Lily arranged to meet Azim. He picked her up in his recovery truck from Dudley and drove to Old Park Lane in Oldbury, where an argument ensued. Lily exited the vehicle, but Azim used the truck to nudge her along the road. CCTV with audio captured the incident, including a loud bang as the truck collided with a lamppost, pinning Lily. Police believe she died instantly or shortly after impact.
Azim's Lies and Arrest
Azim moved Lily's body to Park Street to cover his tracks and called 999, claiming another driver had hit Lily and fled. However, officers were suspicious and arrested him. CCTV evidence revealed the truth. Det Insp Box said, 'He was very carefully trying to think through how to avoid being held responsible for Lily's death.' Azim denied murder, claiming an accident, but a jury convicted him on June 19, 2025.
Family Tribute
Lily's family said in a tribute: '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.' Det Insp Box added, 'It's just a really, really sad and tragic case and our thoughts are with Lily's family always.'
