Woman's body found in husband's garden with multiple stab wounds

Wales Online

15-05-2025

Woman's body found in husband's garden with multiple stab wounds
Paria Veisi, 37, originally from Iran and living in Cardiff, had been reported missing to South Wales Police on April 13.
Paria Veisi, 37, was found dead at a property in Penylan, Cardiff last month after a police search for her
(Image: John Myers )
A woman's body was found in the garden of her estranged husband in Cardiff with stab wounds to the neck and chest, an inquest opening has heard. Paria Veisi, 37, originally from Iran and who was living in Cardiff, had been reported missing to South Wales Police on April 13.
She had last been seen driving a black Mercedes on April 12 after leaving work at around 3pm. The Mercedes was later found on a quiet residential street in Penylan near Roath, Cardiff. Police discovered she had visited her estranged husband's address.
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Police officers attended the address on the same day where an account was provided, Pontypridd Coroner's Court heard on Thursday. On April 16 officers returned to the address where they found Ms Veisi's body in the garden.
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A post-mortem examination was carried out on April 23 by pathologist Dr Stephen Leadbeatter who, when investigating a medical cause of death, advised Ms Veisi had suffered stab wounds to the neck and upper chest.
Coroner Patricia Morgan said at the hearing on Thursday: 'On the basis of evidence set out this morning in respect of Paria Veisi I have reason to suspect her death might be violent in nature.
'This morning I opened the inquest into Ms Veisi's death but I have been informed by South Wales Police that there is an ongoing homicide investigation with potential proceedings to follow. I therefore suspend this inquest until such a time when criminal proceedings have reached their conclusion.'
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A memorial service was held for Paria Veisi following her death
(Image: South Wales Police )
Two people - a man and a woman - were arrested and first appeared in court in connection with Ms Veisi's death on April 22.
Alireza Askari, 41, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court charged with Ms Veisi's murder, preventing a lawful and decent burial of a dead body and assaulting a person occasioning actual bodily harm.
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Maryam Devlavary, 48, of White City, London, also appeared in court and is charged with preventing a lawful and decent burial of a dead body and conspiring to pervert the course of justice. They will both appear again on May 16 and are currently remanded in custody.
The inquest opening on Thursday heard a full inquest could be carried out after a criminal investigation concludes although this might not be required. Ms Morgan expressed her 'deepest condolences to Paria Veisi's family and friends at such a difficult time'.
Following the discovery of Ms Veisi's body around 100 mourners gathered to remember her and pay tribute at the Norwegian church in Cardiff Bay. The church was so full mourners were asked to move outside and give others the opportunity to come in.
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One of Ms Veisi's close friends Sara Rezaei paid a heartfelt tribute to her friend before the service. She said: "Paria wasn't just someone in the headlines—she was a kind, caring, and vibrant soul who brought joy to everyone around her. She was caring, selfless and always ready to help. We are devastated, heartbroken, and still in shock.'