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Medic is stabbed to death after row over stolen orange
Benedict Moore-Bridger and Elizabeth Hopkirk14.01.08
A medical student was stabbed to death in a greengrocers after a row over a stolen 20p orange.
Khalil Nasseri, 24, had been visiting the grocers owned by his cousin Asad when he was stabbed to death by a gang of men, one of whom had tried to steal the orange two days earlier.
The man was caught taking the fruit on Thursday and told to leave, but vowed revenge. On Saturday evening it is believed he returned with four friends.
Mr Nasseri, who had nothing to do with the initial dispute, had been outside the shop, helping two others clear up, when all three were set upon at MS Nasseri Quality Fruit and Vegetables in Electric Avenue, Brixton.
Asad Nasseri said: "On Thursday a man had come into the shop and tried to walk out without paying for an orange. There was an argument and the guy left, saying 'I'll be back'."
The owner of a neighbouring shop said the man returned to the greengrocers later that evening with seven or eight others but found it closed.
Mr Nasseri said the man and four others returned at about 7.30pm on Saturday. "They stabbed Khalil from behind and attacked the other two with a hammer and knives," he added. "Khalil... had nothing to do with it."
Khalil had studied medicine in Afghanistan and hoped to return to become a doctor like his father, Mr Nasseri said: "He was so intelligent and talented."
Police said the stabbing involved a black gang and Asian victims. Witnesses should call the incident room at Sutton on 020 8721 4155.
