Asad Iftikhar is in prison after being convicted of murder and sentenced to a minimum of 22 years in May 2026. He and three male relatives carried out a brutal group attack on 22-year-old Mohammed Khan in broad daylight on a Walsall street, leaving him to die from catastrophic stab wounds.

Who Is Asad Iftikhar?

Asad Iftikhar, 34, lived on Bloxwich Road in Walsall, West Midlands, with his twin brother Hassan Iftikhar and their younger brother Zain Raja. The three men, along with their cousin Amaan Khan, were at the centre of one of the most serious group violence cases seen in the West Midlands in recent years. Following a trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court in February 2026, Asad Iftikhar was found guilty of murder and possession of a bladed article. He was sentenced on 30 April 2026 and will serve a minimum of 22 years before becoming eligible for parole.

What Happened in Walsall?

On 17 March 2025, at approximately 5:15pm, Mohammed Khan arrived on Bloxwich Road armed with two large knives. He had come to the address apparently intending to attack Zain Raja. Mohammed was quickly overpowered and disarmed, but rather than retreating, the group consisting of Asad, Hassan, Zain and their cousin Amaan launched a prolonged and violent assault on the now-defenceless man.

Footage from mobile phones captured by shocked members of the public, alongside CCTV recovered by officers, showed Mr Khan being taken to the floor before being kicked, stamped on and stabbed multiple times, including wounds to his back and neck. The attack was carried out in full public view in daylight hours. West Midlands Police described it as brutal and sustained. Mohammed Khan was taken to hospital but died from his injuries that same night.

Trial and Conviction

Following a thorough investigation by West Midlands Police, which involved compiling numerous mobile phone videos submitted by members of the public alongside extensive CCTV footage, all four men were charged. Their trial began at Wolverhampton Crown Court in early 2026. The video evidence proved decisive, allowing the prosecution to establish precisely what each defendant did during the attack.

Asad Iftikhar and his brother Hassan were also found guilty of possessing bladed articles in addition to the murder conviction. Zain Raja was convicted of murder. Cousin Amaan Khan was convicted of the lesser charge of manslaughter. The judge noted the violent and prolonged nature of the attack, sentencing all four defendants on 30 April 2026.

Sentences Handed Down

The four men received a combined total of more than 65 years behind bars. Asad Iftikhar was given the longest individual minimum term of 22 years, reflecting his central role in the attack. His twin brother Hassan received a life sentence with a minimum of 18 years. Zain Raja similarly received life with an 18-year minimum. Amaan Khan, whose role was deemed less culpable, was sentenced to eight years for manslaughter.

For information on how life sentences work in the UK and when prisoners can apply for parole, you can read our guide on the Parole Board process. Prisoners serving life sentences are only released if the Parole Board judges it safe to do so. For information on what happens during a long prison sentence, see our overview of types of UK prisoners.

The Victim: Mohammed Khan

Mohammed Khan was just 22 years old at the time of his death. Detective Inspector Joe Davenport, who led the investigation, stated that nothing can be done to bring Mohammed back, and expressed hope that the sentences would give some comfort to his family as they continue to build their lives without him. The case highlighted the devastating consequences of knife crime, with West Midlands Police reaffirming their determination to tackle serious violence across the region.

The public contribution to the case was significant. Members of the community handed over mobile phone footage of the attack, which formed a key part of the prosecution evidence. Anyone with concerns about knife crime or who knows someone carrying a knife is encouraged to contact police or report it anonymously via Crimestoppers. For further context on how UK prisons manage those convicted of serious violent offences, visit our guide on going into prison in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Asad Iftikhar in prison?

Asad Iftikhar is in prison because he was convicted of the murder of Mohammed Khan, a 22-year-old man who was stabbed and beaten to death in a group attack on Bloxwich Road, Walsall, on 17 March 2025. He received a life sentence with a minimum term of 22 years at Wolverhampton Crown Court in April 2026.

Who else was jailed for the Walsall murder?

Three other men were also sentenced for their roles in the killing. Hassan Iftikhar, Asad twin brother, received a life sentence with an 18-year minimum for murder. Zain Raja, their younger brother, received a life sentence with an 18-year minimum for murder. Amaan Khan, their cousin, was sentenced to eight years for manslaughter. All four men were from Walsall.

What sentence did Asad Iftikhar receive?

Asad Iftikhar received a life sentence with a minimum term of 22 years. He will not be eligible to apply to the Parole Board for release until he has served at least 22 years. Given the seriousness of the offence, the Parole Board would need to be satisfied it is safe to release him before any release takes place.

Who was Mohammed Khan and why was he killed?

Mohammed Khan was a 22-year-old man who arrived at Bloxwich Road, Walsall, armed with two large knives on 17 March 2025. It appears he had come intending to confront Zain Raja. He was quickly disarmed, but the group attack that followed was described by the court as a prolonged and brutal assault that far exceeded any proportionate response, resulting in his death from multiple stab wounds.

What prison is Asad Iftikhar in?

The specific prison where Asad Iftikhar is currently held has not been publicly disclosed. Prisoners serving life sentences in England and Wales are typically allocated to a Category A or Category B prison initially, depending on the risk they are assessed to pose. For more information about how the prison allocation system works, visit our guide to prison categories in the UK.