Mohammed Azim convicted of murder of Lily Whitehouse in Sandwell
Main article content
A man has been convicted after killing a ‘beautiful’ mom in Oldbury and attempting to cover up her murder.
Lily Whitehouse, aged 19, was found by paramedics with serious injuries in Park Street, Oldbury on 5 November just after 9.40pm. Sadly, she died from her injuries at the scene.
Lily was found with her partner, Mohammed Azim who claimed that she had been hit by a vehicle.
Azim had called 999 and told the ambulance service that she ‘had been run over’ and ‘it literally just happened’. He said she ‘was in his truck’.
When police officers attended the scene, he said he picked Lily up and dropped her on Park Street and as she was crossing the road she was hit by a vehicle.
Azim aged 41 was then arrested on suspicion of murder.
As part of our investigation, officers reviewed CCTV footage and found the true version of events.
Earlier on in the evening, Azim picked Lily up from Dudley and then drove to Old Park Lane instead of driving her home.
CCTV showed Lily walking along the road before Azim’s truck hit her.
He then drove to nearby Park Street, while calling 999, and opened the passenger door, removing Lily from the truck.
Azim then drove to nearby Park Street and whilst driving called 999.
When we interviewed Azim, he provided no account for what happened to Lily.
But the evidence showed he had driven into Lily and killed her.
He was consequently charged with murder. Following a trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court, Azim of Tividale Road, Oldbury was he today found guilty of murder.
In tribute, Lily’s family said: “While nothing can ever bring Lily back, we take some comfort in knowing that justice has been served.
“There are no words that can truly capture the pain of losing Lily so young and full of life. Our hearts are broken by this senseless act .
"At just 19 years old, Lily’s life was taken far too soon, leaving behind dreams unfulfilled and our family forever changed.
“We mourn not only the loss of her but also the future that was stolen. The brutal murder of our Lily has left our family in profound grief and disbelief.
"Her life was taken far too soon, and the pain of this loss is unimaginable.
“Our hearts ache for the years she was denied, but our love for her will never fade .
"Lily precious, your life was a gift, your loss is a tragedy, and your memory will be cherished forever.”
Detective Inspector Nigel Box, Homicide Unit, said: “Azim tried to cover up Lily’s murder by calling 999 and inventing a story that she was hit by a second vehicle.
“However, our investigation proved otherwise.
"Azim killed Lily in a nearby location and then put her back in his truck and dropped her at Park Street.
“Lily was a young mom who was looking forward to raising her new baby. Azim took that opportunity away and now her baby will grow up without her. My thoughts are with Lily’s loved ones.”
If you have experienced domestic abuse then you don’t have to deal with it alone, and it’s never your fault.
Call 999 if you are in danger, threats have been made against you or if a crime is in progress
If you need the police but are unable to talk due to your situation you can dial 999 then press 55 instead of asking for the police: How to make a silent 999 call | West Midlands Police