Man Admits Murdering Ex-Wife and Burying Her in Garden Grave in Cardiff
A man has confessed to murdering his former wife and hiding her remains in a makeshift grave within the garden of their previous shared residence, according to court proceedings. Alireza Askari, aged 42, entered a guilty plea for the killing of Paria Veisi, who was 37 years old, at the property located in Penylan, Cardiff, during April of last year.
Details of the Crime and Investigation
Cardiff Crown Court was informed that Ms Veisi had recently separated from her husband and moved out of the house earlier in the same month. Prosecutors revealed that Askari fatally stabbed his ex-wife in the conservatory of the address before disposing of her body with help from his aunt, Maryam Delavary. Officers discovered the victim's body interred beneath a flower bed in the rear garden, described as a "makeshift grave" concealed under patio slabs, soil, and freshly planted flowers.
Askari was apprehended while driving back to Cardiff from Birmingham, with authorities finding canisters containing caustic soda inside his vehicle. The prosecution asserted that these chemicals were intended for use in destroying Ms Veisi's remains. Examination of Askari's mobile phone uncovered messages to a woman in Iran, believed to be his girlfriend, including one text stating: "I'm planning for them to kill her in Iran."
Timeline of Events and Legal Proceedings
On April 12, 2025, Askari purchased a set of kitchen knives from a supermarket, suspected to be the murder weapon, before returning home. Prosecuting barrister William Hughes KC stated that the murder occurred around 4:30 PM that day. Later that afternoon, Askari contacted his aunt, Delavary, who traveled from London to Cardiff by taxi. Together, they visited another supermarket to buy bleach, compost, and plants, which the prosecution claims were used to cover up the crime.
A friend of Ms Veisi alerted South Wales Police the following day, expressing concerns that she was "being kept against her will by her ex-husband," prompting a missing person investigation. The victim sustained four stab wounds to her chest and neck. In court, Ms Veisi's sister, Hiria Veisi, delivered a victim impact statement, saying: "This horrific and sudden loss of Paria has shattered our family. What happened to Paria must never be allowed to happen to anyone else."
Askari, from Penylan, Cardiff, had previously admitted to murder and preventing the lawful burial of a body. An additional charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm was ordered to lie on file. Maryam Delavary, 48, of west London, pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice. Mrs Justice Stacey is expected to sentence both defendants on Friday.
