HOUSTON – The motive behind a brutal stabbing that took the life of a father of five was revealed Friday after the suspect confessed, according to prosecutors.
The victim, Abdul Niazi, 34, was a husband and father of five children, known as a “pillar” in the Houston Afghan community. Before coming to the United States, Niazi fought with the Afghan Marines alongside U.S. forces in Afghanistan. He lost his legs in battle and used a motorized wheelchair for the remainder of his life.
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Investigators said Niazi had more than 20 deep stab wounds and lacerations to his stomach, chest, the back of his neck, and the remaining portions of his left leg.
The man accused of killing Niazi has been identified as Masiullah Sahil, 37, according to court records.
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What happened
Niazi’s cousin, Rizwanullah Niazi, said Niazi’s wife tried calling her husband at his office, but a different man answered his phone, allegedly admitting to the killing.
“He picked up the phone and said, ‘I killed your husband, please forgive me,’” Rizwanullah Niazi said.
His cousin added that one of Niazi’s clients arrived for an appointment and found him on the ground, stabbed to death. Houston police arrested Sahil, who has since been charged with murder.
Motive for stabbing released
According to prosecutors, Sahil’s country of origin is Afghanistan. Niazi’s cousin said they knew of Sahil but did not have a personal relationship with him.
Surveillance footage showed Sahil entering and exiting Niazi’s office before leaving with blood on his clothing on the day of the stabbing.
During his confession, Sahil admitted that he was frustrated with how long it was taking to get his refugee status approved, prosecutors said. He also admitted to getting into an argument with Niazi, retrieving a knife from his car, and threatening him with it.
He then told investigators that he stabbed Niazi multiple times.
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Sahil’s bond has been set at $750,000.
Niazi leaves behind his wife and five children, ages 2 to 10.
A GoFundMe has been set up for Niazi’s family.