Crossbow murders show dangers of growing cannabis, says top judge
A senior judge has said the deaths of two men who were shot with a crossbow during a raid on a cannabis farm demonstrates the dangers associated with growing the drug.
Khuzaimah Douglas, aged 19, and Waseem Ramzan, 36, died following an altercation in Pensnett Road, Brierley Hill, on February 20.
Police have said they were murdered during a cannabis factory robbery.
Saghawat Ramzan, 46, and his son Omar Ramzan, 23, both of Pensnett Road, have been charged with two counts of murder. Neither has yet entered a plea to the charges.
Saghawat Ramzan appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court where it was alleged he shot the two victims with a crossbow during the violence.
Tom Walkling, prosecuting, told the court: “These murders took place in the course of an attack and robbery on a cannabis factory.”
Judge James Burbidge said
: “This isn’t the first attack on a cannabis farm that I have seen which has resulted in death.”
Omar Ramzan appeared at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court today after being charged alongside his father.
Both men have been remanded in custody and are due to appear again at the city’s crown court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on March 26.
Meanwhile the inquests were opened and adjourned for the two victims, young kickboxer Mr Douglas, of Moseley, Birmingham, and Waseem Ramzan, of Pensnett Road, Brierley Hill.
Mr Ramzan’s funeral was held at Brierley Hill Mosque last night and was being followed by burial at Clee Road Cemetery today.
Family friend of Waseem Ramzan, Mohammed Yaseen, told the Express & Star: “Even though these are very tragic circumstances, the family is very grateful to the police and the coroner for helping to expedite the funeral.”
