A MAN who stabbed his love rival to death with a 12-inch zombie knife has been jailed as the family of the victim paid moving tribute to their “ray of sunshine”.
Haseeb Majid knifed Mohammed Duraab Khan to death in a frenzied attack on the forecourt of a Texaco garage in Meadow Lane, Nottingham, on January 31.
Haseeb, of Wilford Crescent in The Meadows, was found guilty of murder by a jury at Nottingham Crown Court earlier this month.
He was handed a life term yesterday and must serve a minimum of 25 years.
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 the life of the party in every way. To his parents he was a ray of sunshine, their prideand 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 confidant, and their best friend.”
His family said he had “infectious energy” and a “mischievous spirit”.
“His brutal murder has taken away a brother, a friend, a nephew, and a son from those who loved him unconditionally,” they added.
“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.”
A trial heard there was “bad blood” between the Mr Khan and the defendant stemming from Mr Khan’s family friendship with Majid’s ex-girlfriend.
Jurors were shown CCTV footage where Majid spotted Mr Khan as a passenger in another car, did a U-turn, parked near the petrol station where the car was refuelling and attacked him.
Mr Khan was stabbed 15 times in 13 seconds with a knife believed to be 12 inches (30cm) long.