
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, July 26, 1990                   TAG: 9007260591
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-2   EDITION: EVENING 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WOODBRIDGE                                LENGTH: Medium

MAN FOUND GUILTY OF STABBING WIFE AS OFFICER WAITED

A Woodbridge man was convicted of first-degree murder in the stabbing death of his wife in their bedroom while a police officer waited for her downstairs.

After deliberating 30 minutes Wednesday, the Prince William County Circuit Court jury recommended life imprisonment for Zainool Baksh, 45, for the Jan. 8 murder of his wife Zameena, 31.

"I hope a message goes out to men who abuse women," said Commonwealth's Attorney Paul Ebert. "And likewise to women who are abused who are somewhat hesitant to come forward and avail themselves of the protection the law allows."

If Judge William Hamblen follows the jury's recommendation during sentencing on Sept. 25, Baksh would be eligible for parole in 15 years.

The killing occurred shortly after Zameena Baksh filed an assault complaint before a Prince William County magistrate, saying she believed her husband was going to kill her.

The couple had a history of domestic altercation and had begun counseling in 1988.

Zameena Baksh had called police on Jan. 6, claiming her husband had beaten her. He was arrested and released. On Jan. 8, she went to the police station in the afternoon, saying her husband had threatened that morning to kill her.

She was accompanied to her home by Officer Ramon Gomez.

When Zameena Baksh went upstairs to pack some clothes in preparation for leaving, Baksh sneaked past the officer, who was in the downstairs living room, and locked himself in the bedroom with his wife and their then 4-year-old son.

Gomez, who was exonerated of any wrongdoing after a police review of the incident, testified that he bolted upstairs after Baksh but was unable to open the door.

He said he heard repeated screams from Zameena Baksh. A few minutes later Baksh, his hands and clothes bloodied, opened the door and came out holding his son, Gomez said.

Police who responded to Gomez's call for help testified that Baksh had made statements admitting to his wife's killing.

"She won't bother me anymore," Sgt. Timothy Rudy testified that Baksh told him as he took him from the house.

A medical examiner testified during the two-day trial that Zameena Baksh had died of multiple stab wounds, some of which passed through her body.

"The severity of the assault was the key," said Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Wenda Travers.

by CNB