Suspect in 2017 murder outside Hulhumale’ halfway house walks free

The suspect in the stabbing death of a young man outside the halfway house in suburban Hulhumale’ back in 2017 has been acquitted by the Criminal Court.

Haris Abdul Gafoor, 25, Gold Leaf, GA. Dhaandhoo, was attacked as he was walking near the halfway house the at approximately 10:00 pm on September 29, 2017.

He sustained eight stab wounds in the attack, and was dead when taken to the hospital.

Yamin Rasheed, Hilton, Fuvahmulah City, was charged with murder with intent using a sharp-edged weapon in connection to the case.

The court issued its ruling in the case Thursday.

The state had faced challenges with their witnesses during the trial. None of the state witnesses testified to seeing Yamin kill Haris. While the state had produced a number of secret witnesses, none of them testified during the trial. The state had asked the court to consider the statements they gave to investigators.

However, the court ruled that it cannot consider testimony that wasn’t given in making a judgement.

The court therefore acquitted Yamin due to lack of evidence.