The new BBC Local Podcast Series explores one of the most tragic unsolved murders in Essex, in which six members of the same family died in a home fire over a decade ago.
Early on October 15th, 2012, flames tore through Burnmead's house in Harlow. Dr. Abdul Shakoa escaped through the second floor window, but he lost his entire family – his wife, Dr. Saba Usmani and five children: Hira (12), Sohaib (11), Mneb (9), Rayan (6), Maheen (3).
That same night, my neighbor's car also came down nearby. The Essex police launched Operation Shakespeare, one of the biggest investigations in history, and quickly discovered that the fire had been deliberately launched. However, despite multiple arrests and a £20,000 Crimestoppers rewards made public on the BBC's Crimewatch, no one has been charged.
Dr. Shakur remained without an answer after more than 12 years, saying, “We have been waiting for justice for a long time. It has impacted not only ourselves but the entire community. We need some conclusion and closure.”
A new five-part series, The Crime Next Door: Who Killed Shakoors?
“This is an incredibly sad story with no solution yet. I'm grateful that Dr. Shakoa has trusted the BBC in his story,” said Chris Burns, the controller for the BBC.
Crime next door: Who killed Shakoa? Available on BBC Sound starting today, Wednesday, May 21st.
