A man has been convicted of killing a teenager who was shot in the neck while riding on an e-bike. Seraaj Ayub, the driver of a rented Mercedes, was involved in the incident in Alum Rock on October 19 last year. The victim, Ali Riyan, passed away two days after being shot. Ayub fled to Bangkok and was apprehended upon his return to the UK in January.
Following more than 14 hours of deliberation, a jury reached a majority verdict of 11 to one, finding the 24-year-old guilty of murder. Birmingham Crown Court learned that Ayub meticulously planned the shooting while residing in the shadows.
The fatal event occurred at around 10:15 pm when Mr. Riyan was riding on an electric bike. A Mercedes approached them, and a shot was fired from the car, hitting Mr. Riyan in the neck. Despite attempts at CPR by a passerby, Mr. Riyan succumbed to his injuries. Ayub fled the scene and eventually left the UK via Manchester Airport.
While on the run, Ayub communicated with a friend, indicating his involvement in the incident and his evasion of authorities. He had rented the Mercedes using a friend’s driving license and drove the vehicle extensively leading up to the attack. The car was later discovered by police in Tyseley.
During the trial, Prosecutor Michael Burrows KC highlighted Ayub’s secretive behavior and connection to the crime. Ayub was deemed complicit in the shooting, which was premeditated and resulted in Mr. Riyan’s death. Subsequent investigations revealed incriminating internet searches on Ayub’s phone related to fleeing the country to avoid legal consequences.
Judge Simon Drew KC confirmed that Ayub would receive a mandatory life sentence, with the minimum term for release to be determined later.