Husband's Devious Cover-Up After Fatal Stabbing of Estranged Wife
In a case that has shocked the community, a Cardiff man who brutally murdered his wife then engaged in a twisted scheme to make people believe she was still alive has been sentenced to life imprisonment. Alireza Askari, aged 42, carried out the horrific killing of Paria Veisi, 37, just two weeks after she had left him and was beginning to build a new future free from his influence.
Gruesome Discovery in Garden Burial Site
The court heard that Askari stabbed his wife four times in April 2025, inflicting fatal injuries to her chest and neck. He then buried her body in a makeshift grave beneath patio slabs, soil, and freshly planted flowers at a property they had previously shared in Cardiff. This grim burial was designed to conceal his heinous crime from authorities and the public.
Paria Veisi had moved to the United Kingdom from Iran in 2010 and had recently separated from Askari, establishing herself independently as a hairdresser. She had moved into her own flat merely two weeks before the murder, symbolizing her determination to start anew.
Elaborate Deception to Mask the Crime
Following the killing, Askari embarked on a calculated deception to create the illusion that Paria was still alive. He impersonated his wife by sending a message from her phone to her employer at the salon where she worked. The fabricated message claimed she would be returning to Iran for one to two months due to a medical issue.
To further support this narrative, Askari moved Paria's car away from her residence, attempting to make it appear she had indeed departed the property. His actions were part of a cold-blooded plan to delay discovery and avoid suspicion.
Investigation Unravels the Truth
Paria was reported missing by a concerned friend who expressed fears she might be "being kept against her will by her ex-husband." South Wales Police launched an investigation, leading to Askari's arrest on April 15 as he traveled back to Cardiff from Birmingham.
During the arrest, officers discovered cannisters containing caustic soda inside his vehicle. Prosecutors argued these chemicals were intended for use in destroying Paria's remains, indicating premeditation and an attempt to eliminate evidence.
Courtroom Revelations and Sentencing
An examination of Askari's text messages revealed he had been communicating with another woman, believed to be his girlfriend, prior to the murder. This added context to the violent act, suggesting motives rooted in control and jealousy.
Judge Justice Stacey delivered a powerful statement during sentencing, noting that Askari would "clearly rather kill her than (she) leave him." The judge emphasized that Paria was "just starting a new life free of you" when she was murdered, describing her as a "strong, confident, attractive woman" with a bright future ahead.
Friends and family remembered Paria for her vibrant personality, kindness, and popularity, highlighting the tragic loss of a woman in the prime of her life.
Accomplice Receives Separate Sentence
In a related development, Askari's aunt, Maryam Delavary, 48, of White City Estate in west London, pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice. She traveled from London to Cardiff in a taxi to assist in covering up the murder, for which she received a sentence of five years and six months imprisonment.
This case underscores the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the lengths to which perpetrators will go to conceal their crimes. The community mourns the loss of Paria Veisi while justice takes its course against those responsible.
