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The hunt for justice in the killing of 35-year-old Suhail Choudry has shifted into a high-velocity forensic phase following a pivotal fifth arrest and a breakthrough in weapon DNA profiling. Operation Pandemus investigators have detained a 41-year-old man on suspicion of murder, marking him as the fifth individual swept up in a "joint enterprise" prosecution strategy designed to hold an entire armed group accountable for the fatal February 8 ambush.
DNA Hits and the Digital Trail
Senior detectives have confirmed that forensic technicians have successfully recovered DNA and fingerprint evidence from a collection of "blunt instruments"—specifically bats and sticks—abandoned near the Flasby Street scene. This physical evidence is now being meticulously cross-referenced against the five suspects, including the 41-year-old and a 42-year-old man who remains in active custody. By linking these weapons directly to the suspects, West Yorkshire Police are bypassing the local "cycle of silence," providing the physical proof needed to solidify a joint enterprise case against the group.
Mapping the Hierarchy of Violence
Simultaneously, the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team (HMET) has deployed state-of-the-art cell-site data mapping to reconstruct a 48-hour "catalyst" violence chain that began on February 6. This digital footprint allows investigators to identify the specific hierarchy of the group as they moved from East Avenue toward the final confrontation. By synchronizing this data with private doorbell and dashcam footage, as well as the vital testimony of two survivors aged 21 and 24, police have created a minute-by-minute account of the pursuit. This mapping is expected to be a decisive factor in upcoming bail reviews for three other suspects—aged 27, 30, and 33—ensuring that every individual involved in the armed chase faces the full weight of a murder charge.
Read more: Suhail Choudry Inquest Set as Police Hunt Armed East Avenue Gang
Judicial Milestone for a Grieving Family
As the forensic net tightens, the legal path toward accountability officially moves to the courtroom. Bradford Coroner’s Court has confirmed the inquest into Suhail’s death will formally open on Friday, February 20, at 9:00 am. Presided over by Assistant Coroner Ian Pears, this hearing marks the official recording of the "catastrophic head injuries" that claimed the life of the Keighley father-of-two. Beyond the legal formalities, the proceeding allows for the release of Suhail’s body to his pregnant widow, Zara, as the community maintains high-visibility patrols to ensure peace while the high-tech investigation reaches its climax.
Read more: DNA Clue Cracks Suhail Choudry Case: Forensic Link Found in Fatal Hunt
