36-year-old garage worker, Koci Selamaj, who is accused of murdering primary school teacher Sabina Nessa in September 2021 has confessed responsibility for her death at the Old Bailey. According to the prosecution, Koci Selamaj travelled from Eastbourne to London to carry out a premeditated and predatory attack.
Discover our latest podcast
On September 17, he allegedly hit Nessa with a 2-foot-long weapon while she was walking through Cator Park in Kidbrooke, southeast London, on her way to see a friend. Justice Wall has remanded the Albanian national in custody until further hearing.
Pleaded not guilty
On 16 December, Thursday, Selamaj submitted a formal not guilty plea to murder, but his attorney stated that he took responsibility for Nessa's death. The next hearing of the case is scheduled for 25 February next year, and the trial date is set for 7 June 2022. Selamaj wore a grey T-shirt and only spoke to say his name and submit his plea.
The Victim’s family say a few metres away from the defendant in the dock, who was assisted by an Albanian interpreter. Selamaj was arrested on 26 September during the early hours of the day. He appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on 28 September and pleaded not guilty without accepting the responsibility of Nessa’s death.
Rest in peace
Selamaj allegedly targeted the 28-year-old Nessa while she was on her way to meet a friend. Her body was discovered covered in leaves at a community centre near the park 24 hours later after she died a tragic death. Her attacker repeatedly struck her with a 2-foot-long weapon before dragging her away unconscious. A post-mortem study has not yet determined the exact cause of her death. However, the incident was described as being carried out with great violence and was predatory in nature.
