The drive-by car wash Sheffield murder and two men who tried to help suspects escape justice

Two men who tried to destroy a car used in the drive-by fatal shooting of a young man sat at a car wash have been jailed.

Abdul Hakim and Nasser Nashir set fire to the car used in the shooting of Lamar Leroy Griffiths at Diamond Hand Car Wash in Burngreave, Sheffield. They also helped two murder suspects flee the country and Lamar's killer has not yet been caught.

Lamar, 21, was sitting in a BMW on 29 March 2022 when two men fired multiple shots at the car wash. One of the bullets hit him and he died from his injuries.

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South Yorkshire Police said that following his death, a lengthy murder investigation took place, resulting in a number of arrests. The investigation also found Hakim and Nashir had taken action to destroy evidence relating to the offence and help two murder suspects flee the country.

Abdul Hakim and Nasser Nashir have now both pleaded guilty to assisting an offender in connection with the death of Lamar Leroy Griffiths. Detective Chief Inspector Andrea Bowell, who is the Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) in this case, said: "Hakim made attempts to set fire and destroy the vehicle used in the attack at Diamond Car Wash.

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"Both he and Nashir then made extensive car journeys, driving the suspects to various points of exit within the UK, in order to help the suspects flee the country. They were determined and persistent in their efforts and faced challenges due to Covid restrictions which were in place at the time.

"After Hakim and Nashir were arrested, we knew that in order to secure the necessary charges, the CPS had to be satisfied that they both did this in full knowledge that those individuals had been involved in a serious offence."

Hakim, 26, of Cardwell Drive, Sheffield, was jailed for a total of seven years and eight months for assisting an offender and arson, as well as possession of an offensive weapon in a public place in relation to a separate incident.

Nashir, 33, of Kirton Road, Sheffield, has been jailed for five years for assisting an offender.

DCI Bowell said: "This is an important day for Lamar’s family and friends. Lamar was simply going about his normal life and we do not believe he was the intended target of this terrifying attack.

"The investigation into this case has been complex and lengthy and we realise that a wait for justice takes a further toll on a grieving family. From the outset, we have been determined to bring to justice not only those who fired the fatal shots but also those who assisted them in their efforts to avoid capture.

"We are delighted that these defendants are being held accountable by the courts for their part in this. The investigation continues to progress and we will do everything within our power to bring those they helped before the UK Courts.”

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