Double-amputee Afghan war translator stabbed to death in his office, Texas cops say
Abdul Niazi was in his office — “the very place where he dedicated his life to serving others” — when he was stabbed to death, Texas police and friends said.
The 34-year-old Afghan refugee and U.S. military veteran was found with multiple stab wounds in the Houston office and was pronounced dead at the scene on March 26, police said in a news release.
The suspected killer, 37-year-old Masiullah Sahil, was arrested and charged with murder, police said. Sahil was also a refugee, KTRK reported.
His attorney could not be reached for comment.
Niazi’s wife called her husband shortly after the stabbing, family members told KRIV. Sahil answered and said he killed him, officials told KRIV.
Police did not disclose Sahil’s motive or relationship to Niazi.
Niazi is remembered for his service to the U.S. military as a translator in Afghanistan, family members told KRIV.
He survived a suicide bombing in Afghanistan and lost both of his legs, KTRK reported.
He was then relocated to Houston by the U.S. government, KTRK reported, where he started a business helping other Afghans in the area with their taxes and immigration paperwork.
“Niazi was more than a man; he was a pillar of our community. With kindness, integrity, and unwavering loyalty, he devoted his life to helping Afghan refugees in Houston, ensuring they found safety, support, and hope,” family and friends wrote in a GoFundMe.
Niazi was a father of five children, all under 10 years old, the GoFundMe said.
Sahil is being held in jail on a $750,000 bond, according to court records. He is scheduled to appear in court on March 31.
This story was originally published March 28, 2025 at 11:56 AM with the headline "Double-amputee Afghan war translator stabbed to death in his office, Texas cops say."
