The family of a young man who was stabbed to death at a petrol station have paid a loving tribute to their ‘ray of sunshine’ as his killer was handed a life sentence.
Haseeb Majid must serve at least 26 years in jail before he can apply for parole following his sentencing at Nottingham Crown Court today (19 September).
He was found guilty by a jury of the brutal killing of 26-year-old Mohammed Duraab Khan, who was stabbed repeatedly with a machete at the fuel station in Meadow Lane, Nottingham, on 31 January 2024.
Majid, aged 22, had denied murder but was convicted following a trial from 12 August to 4 September.
In a statement following sentencing, Mr Khan’s family said:
“Duraab was a remarkable young man whose life, though tragically cut short, was filled with love, laughter, and an unyielding dedication to his family and friends.
“Duraab was born in 1997, side by side with his twin sister, both were the joy of the family.
“From a very young age, Duraab was no stranger to hard work. At just nine-years-old, while many children are still carefree, he took on a paper round for a local corner shop. He left school with his GCSEs in hand, ready to make his mark on the world.
“When his family moved to Glasgow, Duraab quickly found his footing. He started working for Sky, a job that not only provided for his family but also allowed him to take significant steps toward his dreams.
“Through his hard work and perseverance, he was able to purchase the family home, a symbol of his dedication and love for those closest to him.
“Duraab valued family as his prized possession. When his father was diagnosed with a heart condition, he made sure he was there at every call, Duraab cared for him until his final breath.
“Duraab’s passion for cars was evident to everyone who knew him. Even at a young age he would work on bicycles and started his apprenticeship in Nottingham before moving to Glasgow.
“His dream was to start a business renting out supercars, a goal he was steadily working towards. His eyes would light up whenever he talked about cars, and it was clear that this was more than just a hobby it was a lifelong passion that brought him immense joy.
“But beyond his work and his dreams, Duraab was the life of the party in every way. To his parents he was a ray of sunshine, their pride, and the life of them.
“To his younger siblings, his older brother, and his twin sister, he was more than just a brother he was their protector, their confidante, and their best friend.
“To his friends, he was the one who could bring out the inner child in anyone, no matter their age.
“His infectious energy and mischievous spirit made him the kind of person who could turn even the worst situation into something light-hearted and manageable.
“Duraab’s sense of humour was unmatched. He was the funniest in the family, always finding a way to make others laugh, even in the darkest of times.
“He had a unique ability to see the bright side of life, and he used that gift to bring joy to everyone around him.
“In the days before his murder, Duraab received news that filled him with boundless happiness. His best friend and his wife were expecting their first child, and when Duraab found out that the baby’s name would begin with a letter ‘D’, his joy knew no bounds.
“Duraab was a man of honour, deeply rooted in the values of his religion and cultural background.
“He knew how to show respect to his elders, to women, and to children. He lived by a code of honour that defined his every action and interaction.
“His brutal murder has taken away a brother, a friend, a nephew, and a son from those who loved him unconditionally.
“As we remember Duraab, let us not dwell on the tragedy that took him from us, but rather remember the vibrant, loving, and mischievous spirit that he was.
“His firm faith reminds us that we will be reunited in heaven one day.
“He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and an enduring reminder of the importance of family, friendship, and living life to the fullest.
“Mohammed Duraab Khan may be gone, but his spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to truly know him.
“We would like to thank Judge Coupland, every member of the jury and Nottinghamshire Police for working hard and bringing some closure and justice for our boy.
“We would like to thank Detective Inspector Kaz Smithson and our family liaison officer Jeff Julious, for the continuous support and the hard work they have put in.
“We really appreciate the patience and kindness we have been shown through this whole year.”
Mr Khan and a friend stopped for fuel at the garage around 6.15pm.
As the driver, Mr Khan’s boyhood friend, filled up the car, Majid ran onto the forecourt swinging a large blade and wearing a black hooded coat with his face covered.
He launched a frenzied attack on Mr Khan, stabbing him 16 times.
Mr Khan was pronounced dead at the scene around 6.50 pm.
Detectives discovered from CCTV footage that the Ford Focus car Majid was travelling in had passed the vehicle Mr Khan was in moments before the attack.
The Focus did a U-turn in the road and followed the other car before parking up in Holme Street.
After the attack, Majid returned to the waiting car and it departed along Meadow Lane towards The Meadows.
Police launched a manhunt and Majid was arrested early the following morning on suspicion of murder.
When he was arrested, Majid was found to have a small wound on his right knee.
Although he claimed the injury was from a fall, detectives used CCTV images from the incident to show how he had sustained the injury during his attack on Mr Khan.
Detective Inspector Kaz Smithson, who led the investigation, said:
“Detectives who worked on this investigation are full of admiration for the dignified manner in which Mr Khan’s family have conducted themselves.
“Our family liaison officers have been supporting them since the awful events of 31 January and will continue to do so following the conclusion of court proceedings.
“I hope the sentencing today at least gives them some closure and they can begin the process of moving on with their lives.
“Mr Khan’s killing at the hands of Majid was savage and completely senseless. Majid must also now live with the consequences of what he did that day as he begins a life sentence.
“I’d also like to thank the team of officers who worked on the investigation. They should be commended for the swift arrest of a dangerous individual and the meticulous investigation which has ensured he will be behind bars for a very long time to come.”
