Deception and murder in Blues City…
Handsome Ejaz Ahmad was raised in Pakistan. A devout Muslim, he adhered to his religious beliefs as he worked hard to obtain an education and success in business. He arrived in the United States from Pakistan determined to fulfill his mother’s dying wish: to come to America, complete his education, and make his mark in the world. Everyone who knew him saw him as a good friend and loving family man.
Tennessean Leah Joy Ward was a pretty girl, an addict, and out on parole. She lived a flotsam life, involving theft, drugs, and manipulative games. When she was introduced to Ejaz Ahmad, she believed she had found the ultimate answer: a place to live, someone to take care of her, and money to spend. Clueless of her past, Ejaz wanted to give Leah the help he felt she deserved.
Leah would later claim Ejaz was abusive. His friends and family knew the opposite was true. Ejaz finally broke off his relationship with Leah, including the sham of a marriage, but remained a target of Leah’s dangerous games. He tried desperately to escape her lies and abuse. Then he disappeared.
Frightened family and friends searched for Ejaz. Until May 1, 2003 when someone looked inside the storage shed in Ejaz’s back yard…and made a gristy discovery.
Judith A. Yates, award-winning true crime author of “The Devil You Know” and “When Nashville Bled,” weaves this horrifying true story of domestic violence, religious conflict, and trust gone terribly wrong.
From The Book:
Inside of the shed was an old mattress that looked out of place. Flies buzzed about, rising like small clouds.
“It does smell bad.” Ernestine lifted the mattress.
Ernestine stumbled backward out of the shed, breathing hard, nearly falling. Jordan panicked at what he saw. Both stared in horror at the shed.
In her heart, Ernestine knew what had happened.
Soon, police sirens were wailing through the quiet suburban neighborhood.
Praise For Judith A. Yates:
“‘She is Evil!’: Madness and Murder in Memphis by Judith A Yates is a harrowing account of how one man’s trust, religion, and kindness was turned against him in the most horrifying way. I love true crime books and this one did not disappoint. The story was told in a straightforward manner which flowed well. Each chapter led seamlessly to the next and I was left in no doubt as to who these people were and what made them tick. The book started on an attention-grabbing note and it continued in the same vein all the way through, right to the very last page. Judith A Yates truly knows how to tell a story that makes you want to keep reading. The story doesn’t focus too much on the villain here, but rather tells us the story of a peaceful, hardworking Muslim who just wanted to share his life and the love he had to give with someone special. He didn’t get that, and he paid the ultimate price for the kindness he showed. Highly recommended read for true crime aficionados.” – Readers’ Favorite, 5 star review
“Excellent work…not surprised Yates has won awards.” – Patrick H. Moore, Crime Writer, Private Investigator, & Editor allthingscrimeblog.com
“A must-read for any true crime enthusiast. Highly recommended… fraught with details and emotions.” – True Crime Author & Publisher Dr. RJ Parker
“An easy to read, easy to comprehend and exceptionally practical work book on how to avoid being victimized… should be required reading in America’s high schools before ignorance and excuses for interpersonal violence and/or abuse are locked in. Judith Yates writes with knowledge, insight, and assurance. She uses anecdotal evidence wisely. I suggest buying this book as a gift for loved ones–it would truly be a gift of love … and perhaps even life.” – Award winning true crime author Burl Barer on “How to Recognize the Devil”
Ruth Nicholson says
I watched this story on Investigation Discovery. I felt so much sympathy for Ejaz, having been tricked by that evil woman. Who would shoot their husband in the heart, cut his head off, then drag him out to the shed in the backyard? That woman has no soul.
I hope his son has found peace. At the end of the program, Jordan said he wanted to walk in his dad’s footsteps. To make good things happen. That’s not verbatim. But, you could see in his face that he truly loved his dad.