Family of Zariah Hayes calls for justice in her stabbing death

Zariah’s family told News 12 that days before her death, she moved back home to avoid her toxic relationship with her boyfriend of seven years.

Brittany Cadet and Adolfo Carrion

Sep 19, 2023, 12:34 AM

Updated 462 days ago

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The family of Zariah Hayes spoke out on Monday night as they continue to demand justice just three days after Zariah was allegedly killed by her boyfriend in the Bronx.  
The heartbreak was still fresh for Zariah’s twin sister, Zeniya. Zariah, 23, was one of four girls in her household, growing up with a mother and three sisters and creating her own family with her boyfriend.  
Zariah’s family told News 12 that days before her death, she moved back home to avoid her toxic relationship with her boyfriend of seven years.  
Police say the incident took place on Friday around 12 p.m. when they responded to a call of a person stabbed at 2552 Holland Ave. According to the NYPD, Zariah Hayes was found with multiple stab wounds to the neck before she was pronounced dead at Jacobi Hospital.  
Zariah’s boyfriend, 35-year-old Shaheene Ahmad, is now in police custody and has been charged with murder, manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon. 
The victim’s uncle, Idel Ruiz, tells News 12 that he was a key part in Zariah and her sisters’ lives, and that Zariah always was special.  
Zariah leaves behind her 2-year-old son and an army of family members who say that they will not rest until justice is served.