Jan Gholami convicted of tragic death as jury delivers emotional verdict

In a shocking and tragic case, Jan Gholami has been found guilty of murdering his two-year-old adopted daughter, Zahra Ghulami. The heart-wrenching incident unfolded at their Gravesend home in May 2020, leading to Zahra’s hospitalization on May 27, 2020, and her subsequent passing two days later.

Gholami, 32, and his wife, Roqia Ghulami, were on trial facing charges of murder, causing or allowing the death of a child, and child neglect. Both denied any involvement in the young girl’s death, with Gholami rejecting accusations that he took his “bad temper” out on Zahra, causing significant head injuries.

Maidstone Crown Court heard the prosecution’s argument that Zahra suffered a skull fracture from “significant impact with significant energy” at the hands of Gholami. The jury deliberated for nearly 20 hours, delivering a majority verdict of 10 to two, finding Gholami guilty of murder. Gholami, however, was cleared of murder but found guilty of cruelty to a person under 16, along with unanimous guilt for child cruelty.

Prosecutor Sally Howes KC confronted Gholami during the trial, suggesting he had violently banged Zahra’s head against a wall. Gholami maintained his innocence, claiming he found Zahra vomiting after returning from a morning trip to Tesco, during which, he alleged, she fell down the stairs.

Throughout the cross-examination, Gholami consistently denied harming Zahra or any of his children. He insisted that he loved his children equally and expressed shock at Zahra’s condition, stating, “It never happened such a thing before.”

The court heard about Gholami’s arrival in the UK in January 2016, followed by Ghulami and their children’s subsequent immigration from Afghanistan. The couple adopted Zahra in 2017, and the tragic events unfolded in 2020. Describing Zahra as a “bright, intelligent” child, the prosecution suggested a possible rivalry between her and Gholami’s “favourite son.”

The verdict has left the community in shock and sorrow, highlighting the devastating consequences of child cruelty. Gholami and Ghulami were initially charged with murder, causing or allowing the death of a child, and child neglect, with both denying the charges. The trial’s emotional outcome now calls for reflection on child welfare and protection.