Family Tribute To Shehla Baig

The family of a woman stabbed to death in a car outside her home in Crawley last month have paid tribute to her:

On 16th November, the day of the Muslim Eid al Adha celebration, we lost our beautiful, charming and loving Shehla Tabassum Baig. At 27, Shehla was in her prime when her life was so cruelly taken away.
Her middle name, Tabassum (smile), described her perfectly. With a cheery personality, wonderful sense of humour and an infectious smile, she brightened our lives and hearts and was adored by all who knew her. No one was surprised that she was the favourite aunt to her nephews and nieces or so adored by her parents, sisters and brothers and other family members. Underlying her easy demeanour was a calm confidence, understated determination, immense generosity and resourcefulness borne of self-belief and strength of faith. And it is these memories of a short but full and generous life that we will cherish. We will miss her dearly but are immensely grateful to have been blessed with her for 27 years.

The family is devastated by Shehla's brutal death. A strong and close family, members are a great source of support to each other and are determined to stay strong. Shehla's parents, siblings and their partners, uncle and aunts and other family members have been together since this tragedy. Shehla's lawyer and businessman father said: 'While nothing will bring back Shehla, the love and support of our family and friends has given us the strength to cope with this unimaginable tragedy. The family will be establishing a charitable trust as a tribute to Shehla's life.' He arrived to be with the family from Pakistan, where he runs his businesses.

Shehla's sisters said: 'In her last telephone call to us shortly before she died, she was her usual cheery self, looking forward to celebrating the second and third day of the Eid festival with us and our families, including our mother and brothers. Our children loved her more than they loved us and while they don't understand the situation fully, they already miss their favourite aunt.'

Shehla's mother is dealing with this tragedy with dignity and stated: 'Nothing was dearer to me than my gorgeous daughter, whom I would have protected with my own life. Shehla's untimely and brutal death has left a hole in my heart and my life. I want justice for my daughter.'

Shehla was put to rest after her janaza (funeral prayers), on Friday 26th November, ten days after her brutal murder. The janaza and burial were attended by close family and friends.
Shehla's family thanked the police for their efforts. 'We appeal to anyone who may have any information regarding this case to contact the police', said Shehla's mother.