Heartfelt tributes to Abdi Mohamed stabbed to death in Wednesbury

The family of a young insurance worker fatally stabbed as he inspected a van in Wednesbury have paid tribute to ‘his most beautiful personality’ and ‘beaming smile’.

Abdi Mohamed was just 26, when Moses Smith inflicted the unprovoked attack on him at just after midday on 8 June, 2021 - even though he barely knew him.

Smith had claimed there was damage to his van which was parked on Upper High Street, in a ploy to get Mr Mohamed outside, where he then stabbed him multiple times before driving away.

Mr Mohamed was rushed to hospital but tragically died a few hours after the attack. Smith, who previously had barely any contact with Mr Mohamed, turned himself in at a police station two hours later.

The 40-year-old, of Lindon Road, Brownhills has today (Friday, 3 February) been jailed for life, with a minimum term of 12 years, at Wolverhampton Crown Court after he admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.

Family statement

In a statement on behalf of Mr Mohamed’s family, they said: “No words can truly describe just how beautiful Abdi’s personality was. From the moment he was born, he blessed our lives in every way possible.

“It is no exaggeration to say that he always had a smile on his face, which beamed everywhere he went. He had this infectious laugh that filled the rooms he entered.

“He was kind, always there for everyone and incredibly down to earth. He took the role of a son and a brother seriously... He was deeply devoted to all those he loved, friends and family.”

Detective Inspector Michelle Thurgood, from Force CID, said: “Our thoughts remain with Mr Mohamed’s family, who have been left devastated by what Smith did and unfortunately despite Smith’s plea, they are still without any real explanation for what happened.”