The Disturbing Case of Nasen Saadi: A Criminology Student’s Descent into Darkness
Twenty-year-old Nasen Saadi, a criminology student, had long harbored an unsettling obsession with true crime, horror films, and the macabre. His fascination was so intense that he would often pose provocative questions to his professors at London’s Greenwich University about the mechanics of committing murder. One professor even jokingly asked him, “You’re not planning a murder, are you?” Little did they know, he was indeed plotting a horrific crime.
In May of last year, Saadi executed a gruesome plan that he had meticulously crafted over several months. He brutally stabbed 34-year-old Amie Gray to death on Durley Chine Beach in Bournemouth, all while she screamed, “Get off me.” In addition to Amie, he also attacked her friend, Leanne Miles, leaving her with severe injuries as they sat by a fire to keep warm.
Prior to the attack, CCTV footage captured Saadi prowling the beach, dressed in dark clothing, as he conducted what could only be described as a reconnaissance mission. Just four days later, he would unleash a brutal assault that has been characterized as both “horrifying in its savagery and randomness.” The chilling sounds of their screams echoed through the night as Saadi stabbed them repeatedly before disappearing into the shadows.
In a harrowing 999 call, Leanne was heard pleading for help, her voice trembling as she cried out, “I have been stabbed loads of times. Oh my god, I am getting dizzy, please hurry up, please hurry up.” She continued, “I am bleeding everywhere, I have been stabbed loads of times.” The aftermath of the attack revealed that Saadi had an “unfathomable desire to carry out a murder.” He had a fascination with knives, even dubbing himself the “Ninja killer” on Snapchat, and had conducted chilling online searches related to high-profile murders and infamous serial killers like Levi Bellfield.
Eventually, Saadi was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 39 years for the brutal murder of Ms. Gray. Disturbingly, his case is not an isolated incident; rather, it reflects a growing trend of murder-obsessed students in the UK who have taken criminology courses to enhance their understanding of the art of killing.
- Stephen Griffiths, known as the “Crossbow Cannibal,”strong> who murdered three women in Bradford, studied criminology and conducted research on historical murders.
- In 2019, Nathan Maynard-Ellis, a criminology student, and his boyfriend brutally killed Julia Rawson, with police later discovering a collection of true crime books at their home.
Professor David Wilson, a criminology expert, expressed concern about murder fantasists who may choose to study the subject to “gather tips” on committing violent acts. He noted that he has had to self-censor certain details in his teachings to prevent inspiring the wrong kind of interest.
“Criminology is an applied discipline that requires an understanding of theoretical concepts and their real-life applications in reducing crime,” he stated. “However, it is a worrying reality that a small number of individuals may study the subject with malicious intent.”
Wilson reflected on the case of the Crossbow Cannibal, stating that his previous belief that such a combination of criminology and murder was rare has been shattered. He remarked, “I took some comfort in believing that Griffiths was simply an anomaly, but this comfort was lost with the emergence of more cases like that of Julia Rawson.”
In addition to the UK, similar cases have emerged in the United States. Notorious serial killer Dennis Rader, known as “BTK” (Bind, Torture, Kill), murdered ten individuals while sending taunting letters to the police about his crimes. Rader had pursued a degree in the Administration of Justice, which is a branch of criminology often sought by aspiring law enforcement professionals.
Another example is the Golden State Killer, Joseph DeAngelo, who committed a series of murders and rapes across California between 1976 and 1986. DeAngelo held a degree in Criminal Justice and had previously worked as a police officer. Currently, Bryan Kohberger is facing charges for the murders of four University of Idaho students, having been a criminal justice student himself. Police discovered an essay he wrote, demonstrating his understanding of crime scene protocols.
Professor Wilson’s concerns extend to the phenomenon of individuals fascinated with hitmen and the portrayal of such figures in the media. He conducted research revealing that the reality of British hitmen is often far less glamorous than depicted in popular culture. He noted that many are driven to violence due to personal struggles, including financial hardship or relationship breakdowns.
“British hitmen don’t live lives of intrigue or adventure,” Wilson explained. “Instead, they often find themselves in dire circumstances, and their attempts at violence frequently end in failure.”
Ultimately, Wilson categorized UK hitmen into four types: Dilettantes, Novices, Journeymen, and Masters, each reflecting different levels of involvement and expertise in the violent underworld. This chilling exploration of the intersection between criminology and murder highlights the urgent need for vigilance in understanding the motivations of individuals drawn to such dark paths.
