Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 40-year-old Sayed Nasir of Depew was sentenced this morning before State Supreme Court Justice Deborah Haendiges to the maximum of 25 years to life in prison.
On November 20, 2021, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the defendant unlawfully entered the residence of his ex-wife on North Creek Drive in the Village of Depew with the intent to commit a crime. The defendant entered the home while knowingly in violation of an existing order of protection. The defendant stabbed his ex-wife numerous times with the intent to cause her death.
The victim, 33-year-old Nazeefa D. Tahir, died at the scene. The crime occurred while the victim was home alone and preparing to host a birthday party for their child later that day.
On June 9, 2023, a jury found Nasir guilty of one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felony) and one count of Aggravated Criminal Contempt (Class “D” felony). Jurors rendered their decision after only 33 minutes of deliberation following a five-day trial.
At the time of the crime, the defendant was on probation for a prior domestic violence-related conviction that involved his ex-wife. As part of the sentence, a no-contact order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim, which remained in effect until October 2026.
On May 8, 2021, at approximately 5:43 p.m., police responded to the same home on North Creek Drive in the Village of Depew for a reported domestic incident. The defendant admitted to unlawfully entering the home where he engaged in physical contact with the victim during an argument.
The defendant pleaded guilty to one count of Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor) on October 8, 2021. He was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to participate in a 26-week domestic violence program.
As part of the sentence, Justice Haendiges issued a final no-contact order of protection against the defendant on behalf of the family of the victim, including the defendant’s son, which remains in effect until 2123.
DA Flynn commends the Depew Police Department for their work in this investigation.
This case was prosecuted by Chief Gary W. Hackbush of the Homicide Unit and Chief Cathleen M. Roemer of the Buffalo City Court Bureau.
The BE SAFE Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy Program specializes in advocacy within the criminal courts. Our victim advocates are available to provide trauma-informed support and resources to anyone impacted by domestic violence. While the program primarily works with victims who are navigating the criminal justice process and rebuilding their lives following the arrest of the offender, you do not need to have a pending criminal case to speak with an advocate and access services.
For more information on the BE SAFE Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy Program, call 716-858-4630 or visit www.erie.gov/besafe.
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