Sheffield car wash murder and two men who tried to help the suspects escape justice

Two men who tried to destroy a car used in the fatal shooting of a young man sitting at a car wash have been jailed.

Abdul Hakim and Nasser Nashir set fire to the car used in the shooting of Lamar Leroy Griffiths at the Diamond Hand Car Wash in Burngreave, Sheffield. They also helped two murder suspects flee the country, and Lamar’s killer has yet to be caught.

Lamar, 21, was sitting in a BMW on March 29, 2022, when two men fired multiple shots into the car wash. One of the bullets hit him and he died of his injuries.

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South Yorkshire Police said a lengthy investigation into the murder took place following his death, which led to a number of arrests. The investigation also found that Hakim and Nashir took steps to destroy evidence related to the crime and to help two murder suspects flee the country.

Abdul Hakim and Nasser Nashir have now both pleaded guilty to assisting an offender in connection with the death of Lamar Leroy Griffiths. Detective Chief Inspector Andrea Bowell, who is the lead investigating officer (SIO) in the case, said: “Hakim attempted to set fire to and destroy the vehicle used in the Diamond Car Wash attack.

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“Both he and Nashir then made extensive car journeys driving the suspects to various exit points in the UK to help the suspects flee the country. They were determined and persistent in their efforts and faced challenges due to the Covid restrictions that were in place at the time.

“After Hakim and Nashir were arrested, we knew that in order to secure the necessary charges, the CPS had to be satisfied that they both did so with full knowledge that those individuals were involved in a serious crime.” .

Hakim, 26, of Cardwell Drive, Sheffield, was jailed for a total of seven years and eight months for assisting an offender and arson, as well as possessing an offensive weapon in a public place in connection with a separate incident.

Nashir, 33, of Kirton Road, Sheffield, was jailed for five years for assisting an offender.

DCI Bowell said: “This is an important day for Lamar’s family and friends. Lamar was just going about his normal life and we don’t believe he was the intended target of this terrifying attack.

“The investigation in this case has been complex and lengthy and we realize that waiting for justice has an additional impact on a grieving family. From the outset, we were determined to bring to justice not only those who fired the fatal shots, but also those who assisted them in their efforts to evade capture.

“We are pleased that these defendants are being held accountable by the courts for their role in this. The investigation continues to progress and we will do everything in our power to bring those they helped before the UK courts.”

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