The family of Aya Hachem has ‘thanked god for the justice that has been served’ after another man has been found guilty of her murder.

The family of the 19-year-old have thanked god for the justice served after a jury of 12 found Junior Louis Otway, 42, guilty of the murder of the law student and the attempted murder of QuickShine owner Pachah Khan.

The jury returned their verdict today (March 29) following a four week trial.

Ms Hachem was shot dead as she walked by RI Tyres and QuickShine Tyres in Blackburn on May 17, 2020.

The prosecution convinced the jury that Otway was the boss of gunman Zamir Raja and driver Anthony Ennis who have already been jailed for their involvement in the botched murder plot.

Otway, of Clitheroe Road, Manchester, faced trial alongside Suhayl Suleman, who was acquitted.

Otway will be sentenced on May 5.

In a statement Aya’s family said: “We thank God for the justice that has been served today.

“To our dear beautiful angel in heaven we know you are in a better and more beautiful place. God chose you from amongst many and blessed you with martyrdom.

“We are so proud of you and we miss you so much – our lives are difficult without you. This is God’s decree and praise be to God for this. You will remain in our hearts forever.

“You loved life and despite all the struggles and barriers that we faced in this country it did not stop you contributing to your community and Charites including the Children’s Society and fundraising at Salford University where you were studying to become a barrister.

"You have been awarded your certificate posthumously and your name is now on the Law Society’s roll of solicitors.

“God chose you as an Angel in his heaven. Heaven is yours and may God give us the patience after your murder. We love you.

“We thank Detective Inspector Ian Moore and his team of dedicated police officers who worked so hard to build a strong case against the defendant who has been convicted today.

“Also, to the Crown Prosecution Service, represented by Mr Cray KC who has presented our case so diligently

“We also thank Mr Justice Jacobs, who managed the court proceedings with confidence and wisdom.

“We offer thanks to the jury for their time and effort to listen for four weeks and to distinguish truth from falsehood, lies and honesty.

“Special thanks to the community of Blackburn including the many families that have offered their support in this difficult time.”

The most recent trial comes more than a year after seven men and one woman were found guilty of the killing of Ms Hachem.

Feroz Suleman, Zamir Raja, Anthony Ennis, Ayaz Hussain, Abubakr Satia, Uthman Satia and Kashif Manzoor were all jailed after being found guilty of murder and attempted murder following a trial in 2021.

Uthman Satia's girlfriend, Judy Chapman, was also jailed for manslaughter.