Man charged with murder of law graduate Zara Aleena in Ilford
Zara’s family have paid tribute to her ‘carefree spirit’ and ‘caring heart'
Last updated 29th Jun 2022
A 29-year-old man has been charged with the murder of 35-year-old Zara Aleena who was walking home in Ilford, east London, on Sunday.
Jordan McSweeney has also been charged with attempted rape and robbery, the Metropolitan Police said.
McSweeney will appear in custody at Thames Magistrates' Court later today, Wednesday 29 June.
Ms Aleena was attacked as she walked home from a night out along Cranbrook Road in Ilford, towards Gants Hill station, in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The post-mortem examination confirmed Ms Aleena suffered serious head injuries, and no weapons are thought to have been used.
READ MORE: Tributes paid to woman who was murdered walking home in Ilford
Family tribute to Zara Aleena
In a tribute released after her death, Ms Aleena's family said the law graduate "believed that a woman should be able to walk home", adding: "Women should be safe on our streets, she was in the heart of her community, 10 minutes from home."
Her family of have described her as a "joy to all of us" as they demanded an end to violence against women and girls.
The statement read: “Zara, 35, a beloved human, child, niece, cousin, granddaughter, friend to all, she was a joy to all of us.
“She was a carer for her mother, and her grandmother. Caring for others came so naturally to her. Zara was friendly, she was everybody's friend. She was everybody's daughter, everybody's niece, everybody's sister, everybody's cousin. She was pure of heart."
‘Joy to all of us’
“She was a joy to all of us, her sparkling eyes and the curly, jet-black hair. Her glorious laughter and her sweet, smiling voice. Her tiny frame embodied a passionate spirit and indomitable energy", it said.
“Zara was brought up by the whole of our family. She was our love in human form. At the age of five she said she was going to be a lawyer. Shrieking with joy when she spotted the birds as a child - she would giggle and make us laugh. She was always the bigger person in any situation.
“She was authentic and refused to try and impress anyone but she impressed us. She was the rock of our family. Zara was stoic and held it all together and never complained. She glued our community together.
"Nobody worked harder than Zara" is what we heard from all who knew her. Zara was happy and at a point in her life when her joy was radiating and blossoming."
‘Giving, carefree, with the most caring heart’
“She was ready to make a family of her own. Her sense of justice and fairness led her to a life of giving and caring for others - supporting refugees fleeing violence, giving voice to those who had less power", the statement read.
“She had that special habit of noticing others in need and always put their needs on her agenda. A carefree spirit, with the most caring heart.
“Zara was happy and at a point in her life that she had worked hard for, she had completed her Legal Practice Course so that she could practise as a solicitor.
"She only recently started working for the Royal Courts of Justice, to complete her two-year work placement in order to become a fully qualified solicitor.
"She was fierce: she didn't just survive, she thrived."
‘Women should be able to walk home’
“She walked everywhere. She put her party shoes in a bag and donned her trainers. She walked. Zara believed that a woman should be able to walk home. Now, her dreams of a family are shattered, her future brutally taken," it said.
“Sadly, Zara is not the only one who has had her life taken at the hands of a stranger. We all know women should be safe on our streets. She was in the heart of her community, 10 minutes from home.
“We all need to be talking about what happened to our Zara, we all need to be talking about this tragedy, these last few days have been shocking and unimaginable."
‘Stop violence against women and girls’
“In a savage, sickening, act she was murdered by a stranger. She's not the only woman who has lost her life like this", the statement read.
In the moment of this tragedy, we extend our deepest sympathy and love to the families of Bibaa Henry; Nicole Smallman; Sarah Everard; Sabina Nessa; Ashling Murphy and many more women.
“We must prevent and stop violence against women and girls.
“Our loss is irreparable and the void feels insurmountable but the warmth and kindness that our community has shown is testament to the power of Zara's spirit. Her life has been stolen from us. She has been stolen from us all.
“Rest in power Zara Natasha Aleena.”
Vigil for Zara Aleena
A vigil is expected to take place on Saturday 1 July, mourners are set to walk from the site of her attack to her home nearby.
Those attending have been asked to wear white and to keep the mood 'silent and sombre' as they help to 'bring her back to where she belonged safely.
University of Westminster tribute to Zara Aleena
The University of Westminster said Ms Aleena was a law graduate who last year gained a postgraduate diploma in legal practice.
A spokeswoman said: "We are shocked and deeply saddened by the news that our former law school student and graduate Zara Aleena has lost her life in such a tragic way. Our thoughts are with Zara's family and loved ones at this dreadful time.
"Zara was awarded the LLB with honours in 2011 and the postgraduate diploma in legal practice in 2021. She is remembered clearly and fondly by all who taught her.
"She was a warm, gentle and open young woman, popular with both staff and fellow students. She would often go out of her way to help others.
"We have pastoral support available for our students and colleagues affected by the tragic news."
According to reports, Ms Aleena was working as an administrative officer at the Royal Courts of Justice.