by The family of a young man gunned down in a car park 15 years ago today have spoken out to mark the anniversary, saying they want to be present – and for justice. Shop worker Junaid Khan, only 21 years old, was murdered near a doctor’s surgery.
Despite a criminal trial, no one was ever convicted of his death – and Tuesday marks 15 years since he lost his life in a hail of bullets fired from a sub-machine gun in 2009. The tenth anniversary of his murder, which was offered £50,000 reward for information leading to arrests and convictions.
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Junaid’s sister said it still ‘hurts’ when family milestones pass without him. She said that the health of her parents – Junaid’s mother and father – is deteriorating ‘daily as they get older’ and she said that they are still looking for justice for their son, her brother.
Meanwhile, the family has released one of the last photographs taken of Junaid. He is pictured weeks before his death at the Dovestones beauty spot reservoir in Oldham.
Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Police detectives emphasized that ‘a case is not closed until we have received justice’. “We know that loyalties change over time, and it only takes one piece of new evidence to help us get Junaid’s family the closure they deserve,” the force said.
Junaid’s sister, Raheela Durrani, told the Manchester Evening News: “We look forward to Junaid’s presence, his touch and his joyful smile every day. It hurts so much when we break new milestones in life and when we celebrate these as a family without Junaid.
“We still cannot believe that his murder is unsolved and we will never rest until we find justice and closure. The justice system may not be able to help us, but we trust that God listens with our prayers and is the right person in every situation.
“We ask the public to share any information that may help us close this chapter and get us the justice we want and deserve.”
Ms Durrani named her son Junaid after her brother, nephew.
A gunman fired 17 shots from a submachine gun at Junaid as he walked back to his car near the Block Lane surgery in Chadderton, Oldham, shortly after meeting friends and his then-girlfriend.
Three men were put on trial in 2011 for the killing, but a jury acquitted them.
The prosecution alleged at the trial that the killing was the culmination of a ‘long-term’ dispute and the court heard that Junaid had told a friend a few days before the shooting that he feared ‘something bad would happen’. A stolen Mitsubishi Shogun 4X4 was later found burnt out.
Initially, a fifth suspect was wanted in connection with the case. He is believed to have been in Pakistan, but Crown lawyers later told police there was no case to pursue.
Police said Junaid was gunned down from behind and shot again at close range with an automatic weapon while he was lying on the ground.
At the time his family described him as ‘a very confident person’.
They released a statement through police saying: “Junaid was respectful, loving and caring. He was a much-loved son, brother and uncle. His death has shattered the world around us. He was always there to support us.
“Our hearts will never be at peace and Junaid’s soul will never rest until the people who did this are punished.”
Junaid, one of five siblings, would have turned 36 last month.
Ms Durrani added: “Those who withhold information do so willingly and God will deal with them accordingly.”
She said, although 15 years have passed, ‘it only seems like yesterday for us’.
“My parents’ health conditions are deteriorating daily as they age and because of their desire for justice,” she said.
“July 9, 2009, is etched in our minds and hearts and everything that happened to Junaid that night will never be forgotten. Please come forward if you have any information about Junaid’s murder.”
Detective Sergeant Clare Smith, from the GMP Cold Case Unit, told the FIRs: “We are approaching 15 years since Junaid’s death and I would like to take this opportunity to point out that a case will not be closed until we will have received justice.
“It is never right that a parent should have to bury their child and we cannot understand the pain Junaid’s family has had to suffer for these years and not know what happened to him. We know it has been a long time 15 years, but with cases like this, someone knows what happened to him and any information given to us will be assessed and treated very seriously.
“For whatever reason they didn’t come forward, it’s never too late. We know that loyalties change over time, and it only takes one piece of new evidence to help Junaid’s family get the closure they deserve to get.
“Anyone with information about Junaid’s murder should contact us on 0161 856 5978, 101 or via the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”
