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Youth Found Guilty in Teen Neighbor's Stabbing Death
30 Jul
Summary
- Anas Muhammad convicted of first-degree murder in 2022 stabbing.
- Evidence included defendant's blood under victim's fingernails.
- Muhammad is scheduled for sentencing on October 9.
Anas Muhammad, 21, was convicted on Wednesday of first-degree murder with a weapon for the 2022 stabbing death of his 16-year-old neighbor, Paola Pagan. The jury reached its verdict after deliberating for less than 90 minutes, concluding a two-day trial.
Prosecutors argued that Muhammad, who was 17 when the crime occurred at their apartment complex, fatally stabbed Pagan. Key evidence presented included the discovery of Muhammad's blood beneath Pagan's fingernails and a confession he made to investigators. The defense contended that the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
During the trial, prosecutors countered claims of coercion regarding the confession, highlighting details Muhammad allegedly shared that only the perpetrator would know. He is set to be sentenced on October 9. Pagan's family attended the trial proceedings but declined to comment afterward.
