Callous killer went to Greggs after murdering ‘good’ ex-boyfriend Mahmoud Alabdullah

An “insidious” killer visited Greggs just hours after he fatally stabbed his former “friend” on a Birmingham street and left him for dead in his car. Tarik Al-Mitheab visited Greggs in Birmingham city center hours after murdering ex-boyfriend Mahmoud Alabdullah, 28, in Bordesley Green in the early hours of Sunday, November 5 last year.

West Midlands Police said that just hours after launching a surprise attack his former friend, Mr Al-Mitheab visited the popular pasta joint before surrendering to the force. Mr Al-Mitheab was convicted on May 29 of killing “nice and nice” Mahmoud Alabdullah in the “senseless” knife attack last year.

Mahmoud Alabdullah was stabbed and killed as he got out of his car on Cherrywood Road in Bordesley Green in November 2023. A murder investigation was launched after a member of the public found Mr Alabdullah collapsed in his car on Cherrywood Road in the early hours of hours of November 5.

READ MORE: Man guilty of killing ‘friend’ Mahmoud Alabdullah in ‘senseless’ knife attack

In a heartfelt tribute, Mr Alabdullah’s family said: “Mahmoud was always happy and his loss will be felt by all who knew him. She was a kind and nice person to spend time with. He brought smiles to all who knew him.”

On May 29, following a four-week trial at Birmingham Crown Court, Mr Al-Mitheab was convicted of murder and will be sentenced on June 7, 2024. The court heard how Mahmoud Alabdullah drove to Cherrywood Road to visit a friend . While traveling on Pikewater Road, he passed Al-Mitheab, who was a passenger in the back seat of a white BMW.

After seeing his former friend, CCTV showed the white BMW following Mr Alabdullah down Cherrywood Road. Al-Mitheab got out and confronted Mr Alabdullah as he sat in his vehicle. While the victim was opening his car door, the 22-year-old lunged at him, stabbing him.

Mr Alabdullah got out, but Mr Al-Mitheab continued his attack in the street and then grudgingly returned to the waiting car, which drove off, leaving the victim seriously injured.

Despite the best efforts of the 999 crews, Mr Alabdullah could not be saved and died in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. Police said that in an attempt to cover up his crime, Mr Al-Mitheab changed and washed his clothes. Later that morning he visited Greggs in Birmingham city center before turning himself in that evening.

During his trial, Mr Al-Mitheab, of Cherrywood Road, claimed he had disarmed Mr Alabdullah with the knife and acted in self-defence – but on Wednesday, May 29, he was convicted of murder. He is due to be sentenced on June 7.

Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Michelle Cordell, from the force’s homicide squad, said: “We may never know the true motive behind Mr Alabdullah’s killing, but nothing can justify the senseless violence that ended his life in the circumstances so tragic.

“In choosing and using a knife, Al-Mitheab knew that his actions had the potential to cause at least serious harm. His disregard for human life is truly shocking and hard to understand.

“His sickening actions left Mr Alabdullah dying in the street and the fact that he surrendered hours after the attack will provide little comfort to Alabdullah’s family and loved ones. His failure to take responsibility for his actions means Mr Alabullah’s family and friends may never know why his life was cut so short.

“Mr Alabdullah’s family continues to grieve and while we know that today’s verdict can never replace their loss, we hope that this verdict will bring them comfort and that they can now begin to rebuild their lives.

“I am grateful for the efforts of my exceptional team of investigators, who worked tirelessly to support justice for the victim and his family.”