An Albanian woman, mother of a boy killed in Great Britain has told about the most difficult moment of her life when she found out that her child has passed away. Grineo Daka, 27, was living in East London when he was shot in the early hours of the morning of July 7, 2019. He worked as a barber and was killed by a compatriot, Jeton Krasniqi, also 27. Krasniqi was sentenced to life imprisonment and the minimum sentence for more than 31 years. Grineo’s parents, Enima and George Daka, also spoke during the sentencing hearing, saying there was no sentence that would ease their pain. Enima stated that she blamed herself when she found out that her son had died because “He had not heard her voice the night before.”

“We came to England in 2001 with our 9-year-old son for a better life and greater opportunities. We had nothing and knew no English words. We knew how to work hard to secure their future. We did 2 or 3 jobs. I did not stop working because I wanted to give him everything. He was our joy and took away all our pain and worries. He liked music and helped his friends. His only wish was to see us happy. He had told me that he would take care of us and provide us with everything. He saw that I was very tired and had told me that “there will come a day when you will no longer work and I will reward all the effort”. He had a passion for self-care and started running a barber shop. Fatigue disappeared as I watched my son manage to fulfill his dreams“, She said.

Grineo was involved in a scuffle the day before the murder. In the early hours of the next day, he went with friends to the club when he got a call. He climbed to the top of the bar where Krasniqi was waiting for him along with 3 other people. Around 3 o’clock in the morning a quarrel started and 4 shots were heard. One of the bullets hit Greeneon in the back. 30 minutes later, the young Albanian lost his life. Due to this event, the mother of the young Albanian said that she is a walking body, but with a dead mind.

Jeton Krasniqi and Edison Brahimi

“No one could prepare us for that day. A group of Albanians took the life of our son. No one prepared us for this tragedy. They were here for the same reason as us, for a better life. Caused terrible pain to both parents. They took his life and could not face him after they shot him in the back. There will be no punishment that will ease our pain. Even if they are sentenced to 100 years in prison, it does not bring our son back. The only joy we have is a visit to the grave. He said he would not leave us alone, even when a family started we would live together. I blame myself for not hearing her voice the night before. I did not see the boy until I buried him. I regret not seeing his face for the last time. There is no medication to relieve this pain. I had many dreams about the boy, but they took us. I am a living body, but with an empty mind. I look at her in dreams and hug her. We lost a part of the heart that will never be replaced“, She said.

The perpetrator of the murder of the young man, stayed on the run for less than a year. In connection with this event, Edison Brahimi, 31 years old, was also sentenced to 28 months in prison for obstructing justice after removing Krasniqi from the scene. Lindon Saliuka was also charged with murder, but he died before the trial could begin. A fourth person has been declared wanted while authorities are working to apprehend him.