FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 28, 2020
Contact: Heather F. Williamson
Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office
20 East Market Street
Leesburg, VA 20176-2809
(703) 777-0242
JURY CONVICTS HASSAN M. GAILANI IN STERLING DOUBLE HOMICIDE
LEESBURG, Virginia - February 28, 2020. The Loudoun Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday the conviction of Hassan M. Gailani in the 2018 double homicide at a Sterling, Virginia café.
After an eight day trial, a Loudoun County jury found Gailani, 36, guilty on two counts of first-degree murder – for killing Ahmed S. Osman, 35, of Sterling and Murtada A. Marof, 40, of Herndon; seven counts of shooting within an occupied dwelling; and two counts of use of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Senior Assistant Commonwealth Attorneys, Ryan Perry and Angela Vernail, presented the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. The trial concluded with a twelve person jury recommending Gailani’s sentence at 77 years in the Virginia Department of Corrections.
“It has been a difficult 21 months for the families of Mr. Osman and Mr. Marof. They, and this Commonwealth Attorney’s office, appreciate the hard work and dedication of Sheriff Chapman, his team, and Mr. Perry and Mrs. Vernail. Working together made it possible to present to the jury the facts that supported the guilty verdicts. We are mindful that this trial is but a part of the legal process and that it does not salve the pain and heartache of the Osman and Marof families. Their brave testimony to the jury reminded all of us about the beautiful lives lived by victims in this case. We hope that this difficult process has brought some healing for them in the midst of this tragedy. Our community is committed to continuing to support the families as they need,” said Loudoun Commonwealth’s Attorney Buta Biberaj.
Gailani entered the Pharaoh’s Café around 1:45 a.m. on May 14, 2018, and fired seven shots at the intended victim, Ahmed S. Osman. Murtada A. Marof, a bystander inside the café, was also shot and killed. Testimony presented during the court proceedings showed that Gailani used a Kel-Tec 9mm handgun that he had purchased several weeks prior to the shooting, and had taken a firearms safety course.
“The quick response and actions of our deputies after two people were violently killed inside a café ensured this murderer was taken into custody. I am proud of the professionalism of all those involved in the investigation and successful prosecution,” said Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman.
Gailani’s case is currently set for March 13, 2020, in Loudoun Circuit Court where the scheduling for a final sentencing hearing will be held before the Honorable Stephen Sincavage who presided over the trial. Gailani continues to be held at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center without bond.
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