Detectives release CCTV in hunt for killer of Jay Sudra
THE distraught family of a 21-year-old student murdered in an apparent botched robbery have spoken of their grief as police continue to hunt for his killer.
Yajay Sudra was stabbed in the heart in Marsh Lane, Erdington as he made his way home from work on Friday evening.
Police believe he was the victim of an attempted robbery “with the most tragic of consequences.”
The student, known to family and friends as Jay, managed to stumble home where his horrified mum, neighbours and paramedics struggled to save him.
A post mortem revealed he died as a result of a single stab wound to the heart.
Today detectives released CCTV pictures of their prime suspect as his distraught family paid tribute to Jay.
In a statement issued through West Midlands Police, Jay’s mum and two sisters described him as a “gentle person with positive energy” and who was “always smiling.”
The statement said: “Jay had everything going for him and would do his best to make everyone happy – especially his mom. He was down to earth, with a great sense of humour, willing to help anyone at any time.
“Jay loved to play the guitar at every opportunity and was extremely talented. He was really into his music but was also into photography, tennis and loved to sing.
“After the loss of his father recently, Jay had to mature very quickly and looked after everyone including his mum and nephews and nieces, who all adored him and looked up to him.
“As a family we are broken, torn and bleeding internally. This sort of pain is the only thing which reminds us to breathe. We miss every fibre of him.
“Nothing feels real anymore, nothing has meaning. We just want him back. We are absolutely devastated and cannot find words to describe how we feel. We miss him so much.
“We can’t believe that this has happened. The person who did this hasn’t just hurt him; they’ve hurt his whole family and all his friends.”
Police said Jay was attacked from behind just a few yards from his home at 11.20pm on Friday evening.
During an exchange, Jay was stabbed in the heart. Moments later his attacker fled. He was captured on CCTV walking along Marsh Lane and detectives are desperate to speak to him.
Police conducted house to house inquiries over the weekend and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
DI Paul Joyce who is leading the investigation said: “Jay was a young, family man with a bright future ahead of him. His family are absolutely devastated by his death.
“We are also releasing CCTV, in a direct attempt to encourage members of the public to help us.
“Somebody somewhere must recognise this image. It clearly shows the man we are looking for, walking along Marsh Lane.
“We need to hear from you if you know who this is.
“Information given through Crimestoppers is treated in the strictest of confidence and there are a number of measures that we can take to protect your identity.
“Perhaps as a parent, you’ve noticed changes in behaviour, perhaps someone has disappeared. Perhaps you’re the person in our CCTV.
“We need you to come forward as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information should contact Operation Prime, Force CID at Erdington on 0345 113 5000 or crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.
