Interpreter from Afghanistan escaped death during warfare only to encounter a tragic end in Texas
In the heart of Houston, Texas, a shocking incident has sent ripples through the community. Masiullah Sahil, an individual once seeking help from Abdul Niazi, is now the prime suspect in the murder of the well-known advocate for Afghan refugees.
Niazi, who was a familiar face to many new Afghan migrants, was found with more than 20 deep stab wounds and lacerations in his office on an undisclosed date[1][2]. Sahil, reportedly frustrated by the slow U.S. immigration process, allegedly confessed to the murder in a phone call to Niazi’s family[1][2].
Sahil's current status is that he was initially held on a $750,000 bond but was later released on personal recognizance due to prosecutors failing to indict him within the required legal timeframe. However, he was subsequently charged with witness tampering and is currently held on a $25,000 bond. His arraignment on both first-degree murder and witness tampering charges is scheduled for August 12, 2025[1][2].
Niazi was not a stranger to adversity. Before his work as a refugee advocate, he had served as an English teacher in Jalalabad, east of Kabul, and later as a translator with the U.S. Marines in Afghanistan in 2011. A tragic incident in May 2012 left him with the loss of both legs after a bomb blast during a routine foot patrol, which also injured Michael Egan, a Marine who worked with Niazi[1].
Despite the loss, Niazi continued to serve his community, first working as a sales clerk at a cellphone store after moving to Houston, and later establishing his own business providing services to recent transplants. One of his clients was Masiullah Sahil, who sought help from Niazi for immigration-related issues[1].
The tragic incident has left Niazi's friends and family calling for an investigation into the district attorney's office. Video footage shows Sahil coming and going from Niazi's office several times before being captured leaving with blood on his clothes[1].
Niazi's life was dedicated to helping others, working for a nonprofit that provided assistance to refugees. His death has left a void in the community, but his legacy lives on, inspiring many to continue his work.
[1] Source: Houston Chronicle [2] Source: ABC13 Eyewitness News
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