A man has been convicted of the killing of a teenager who was shot in the neck while riding on the back of 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, succumbed to his injuries two days later after being rushed to the hospital. Ayub fled to Bangkok but was later apprehended upon his return to the UK in January.
Following over 14 hours of deliberation, a jury reached a majority verdict of 11 to one, finding the 24-year-old guilty of murder. Testimonies at Birmingham Crown Court revealed that Ayub meticulously planned the fatal shooting, living covertly to orchestrate the attack.
On the fateful night of October 19, Mr. Riyan was shot while riding pillion on an electric bike next to a Mercedes. The perpetrator fired a shot from the car’s rear window, prompting the bike operator to veer off into a nearby street. The car pursued them, firing a second shot that struck Mr. Riyan in the neck, causing him to collapse.
Despite efforts by a passing driver to resuscitate him, Mr. Riyan passed away on October 21. Ayub, during his escape, messaged a friend disclosing his involvement in the incident and expressing concerns about the legal consequences.
Ayub had fraudulently rented the Mercedes using a friend’s identification. Police recovered the vehicle on Meridan Road in Tyseley the day after the shooting. Investigations revealed incriminating internet searches on Ayub’s phone following his arrest, suggesting premeditation and escape plans. The killing was believed to be a retaliatory act for a prior event.
Judge Simon Drew confirmed Ayub would receive a mandatory life sentence, with the minimum term for release to be determined at a later date.