Bronx man sentenced to 25 years to life for stabbing ex-partner to death in front of children — judge with gavel, stock photo.

A Bronx jury convicted a man of murder after prosecutors said he stabbed the mother of his child 17 times during a birthday celebration, with two young children witnessing the attack.

BRONX, N.Y. — A Bronx man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the murder of his former intimate partner, a 23-year-old mother who was stabbed to death in front of two young children.

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that Shaheene Ahmad, 38, was sentenced June 16 by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Audrey Stone after a jury found him guilty of second-degree murder and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

The conviction stems from the September 2023 killing of Zariuah Hayes following a birthday celebration for the couple’s young son.

Mother killed after leaving abusive relationship

According to prosecutors, Hayes had ended the relationship with Ahmad weeks before the attack after enduring years of emotional and physical abuse.

The fatal stabbing occurred on Sept. 14, 2023, at the conclusion of a birthday celebration for their 2-year-old son.

Investigators said Ahmad attacked Hayes in the presence of two children — the couple’s 2-year-old son and a 5-year-old child.

Victim stabbed 17 times

Evidence presented during trial showed that Hayes suffered 17 stab wounds during the attack.

Prosecutors said 16 of those wounds were inflicted to her face and neck.

Hayes died from her injuries, leaving behind her young children.

District attorney calls crime horrific

“This defendant committed an especially horrific crime,” District Attorney Clark said.

“The victim, a 23-year-old mother, had left him a few weeks before because she had suffered years of emotional and physical abuse at his hands.”

“He stabbed her 17 times in front of their children. They lost their mother and have endured untold trauma. Now he has been held accountable.”

Jury returns guilty verdict

Following a trial in Bronx Supreme Court, jurors convicted Ahmad of second-degree murder and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Justice Stone sentenced him to 25 years to life in state prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Allison Kline and Emma Wardle of the Bronx District Attorney’s Domestic Violence Bureau.

Key Points

• Shaheene Ahmad, 38, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the murder of Zariuah Hayes.

• Prosecutors said Hayes was stabbed 17 times in front of two young children following a birthday celebration.

• A Bronx jury convicted Ahmad of second-degree murder and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Bronx District Attorney, Shaheene Ahmad, Zariuah Hayes, Bronx murder, domestic violence, homicide conviction, child endangerment, Bronx Supreme Court, New York crime news, violent crime.

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