Man charged in connection with murder of Hemawand Ali Hussain in Hartlepool in 2019
A man's been charged with murder - as police continue to investigate the execution of a man in Hartlepool, 6 years ago
Last updated 9th Jan 2026
Six years after the execution of a man in Hartlepool - another man has been charged in connection with his murder.
Hemawand Ali Hussain was shot at point blank range, inside a house, in September 2019 - with one man jailed for life for murder in 2022.
As part of on-going enquiries between Cleveland Police, the National Crime Agency (NCA) and international partners, Sajmir Dodoveci (40) was detained at a train station in Brussels on Tuesday 23rd December - two days before Christmas.
Dodoveci was extradited to the UK this week and subsequently charged with the murder of Mr Hussain who was shot at point blank range inside a house in Charterhouse Street in September 2019.
He appeared at Teesside Magistrates' Court today (Friday 9th January) and was remanded until he appears at Teesside Crown Court next.
Extensive enquiries by Cleveland Police previously saw Eugert Merizaj jailed for life for Mr Hussain’s murder. He’d fled the UK following the murder and was also traced to Belgium, extradited back here and sent to trial where he was convicted.
Three other men were jailed in January 2021 after being found guilty of manslaughter. They are Noza Saffari, 40, who was jailed for 15 years, Dorian Pirija, 34, who was handed a 19-year sentence and 26-year-old Qazim Marku, also imprisoned for 19 years.
A 34-year-old man was also detained in Belgium in February 2024 and arrangements are being made for him to be extradited to stand trial.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Lyndsey Dale from Cleveland Police said:
“Despite the passage of time, this case remains a priority for the force and we’ve made significant progress through extensive enquiries - both in the UK and overseas.
“This is a complex and challenging case which has required collaboration across multiple jurisdictions over a number of years. Our officers and partner agencies including international organisations and the NCA have worked tirelessly throughout this period, and we continue to pursue every possible lead.
“I’d like to thank my team and all those involved for their continued collaboration and for sharing our commitment to achieving justice for Hemawand Ali Hussain and his family, no matter how long it takes.
“All our thoughts remain with Mr Hussain’s family and with his wife and sons who are being kept up to date with developments throughout.”