Zara Aleena Murder: Man, 29, in court charged with murdering law student

Today a man was indicted for the murder of a would-be lawyer.

Zara Aleena, 35, is accused of being killed, raped in an attempt, and robbed by 29-year-old Jordan McSweeney.

He showed up in grey prison sweatpants this afternoon before Thames Magistrates’ Court.

Remanded in detention, McSweeney was scheduled to show up in central criminal court on July 1.

In a horrifying attack that occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning in Ilford, East London, the 35-year-old law graduate is thought to have been punched to the ground.

In a memorial, her family stated that she was the centre of their neighbourhood and added, “She was a joy for all of us.”

“She was genuine and refused to try to impress anyone, yet she impressed us,” they claimed. Our family’s rock was she.

“Zara maintained her composure and never voiced any complaints. She held our neighbourhood together.

“Zara was content and in a stage of life where her happiness was blooming.

“She was prepared to start her own family.

“She lived a life of service and selflessness because she believed in justice and fairness.

A carefree soul with the biggest heart.

The statement said, “Our loss is irreparable and the hole feels insurmountable, but the warmth and love that our community has given is proof to the force of Zara’s spirit. We call on society to avoid violence against women and girls.

“We have had her life snatched from us. She has been taken from all of us.

After hearing screams coming from the street, neighbours on Cranbrook Road dialled 999.

Zara couldn’t be saved, despite the efforts of the police and paramedics.

Zara, a Westminster University alumna, was killed around 2.20 a.m.

Her passing has been compared to the terrible deaths of Sabina Nessa and Sarah Everard.