Two carjackers have today been convicted for their parts in the murder of a mechanic who died from a stab wound to his heart.
Rory Gordon, 23, of Rainhill Way, Bow, was found guilty of murdering Harjinder Singh Bhurji and stealing his car after he refused to hand over the keys.
His accomplice in the attack, Jae-don Fearon, 21, of Manor Farm Drive, Chingford was convicted of manslaughter after the jury returned their verdicts at the Old Bailey.
They will be sentenced on May 27 alongside Andre Campbell, 23, of Aldriche Way, Chingford, who was convicted of handling stolen goods when he sold on the victim’s stolen smart phone.
Mr Bhurji, 32, of Highbury Gardens, Seven Kings, was attacked as he pulled over in his sports car to speak to his female friend travelling in the car with him.
Within moments of pulling up in Stoneleigh Road at about 1am, Gordon approached the vehicle and dragged the woman from the passenger seat after threatening her with a knife.
He then walked to the driver’s door and demanded Mr Bhurji hand over the keys to the car but before the mechanic and garage owner could react he pulled out a knife, stabbed him in the chest and jumped in the vehicle before speeding away.
Paramedics were called and found Mr Bhurji collapsed in the road, pronouncing him dead at the scene.
A post mortem examination revealed he died from a single stab-wound to the heart.
Police later tracked the car to a remote location along Forest Glade, Chingford.
They began the search for Gordon and Fearon after local intelligence linked them to previous car thefts.
Campbell, Gordon’s cousin, was then linked to the sale of Mr Bhurji’s stolen smart phone, which had been in the car, after it was traced to a takeaway restarurant.
It has been sold on within hours of the attack.
Det Insp Andy Yeats, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: “Mr Bhurji was a loving son and brother who had everything to live for. He was a successful businessman and worked hard to provide for his family.
“Gordon and Feardon have no concept of hard work. They spotted Mr Bhurji’s car and decided they would take it by force without a single thought for the devastating consequences.”
The family of Mr Bhurji said in an impact statement: “The night that Raj was killed a part of us died with him. From a young age we all knew that there was something special and unique about Raj.
“His passion for cars started at a young age when, as a boy, he would watch his dad fixing cars in a small garage located behind our house.
“No family should have to experience the pain of losing a loved one in this way. Gordon and Fearon have deprived Raj of the rest of his life and his family of a wonderful man.
“At just 32 years a healthy, intelligent man had his future, hopes and dreams snatched away in such a terrible way. He will never be replaced.”
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