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A Texas woman’s courageous testimony helped expose her father’s involvement in the tragic murders of her husband and best friend.
Ali Irsan, a Jordanian national, was accused of orchestrating these killings to control his daughter’s life.
Unraveling the Crimes
The murder investigation began in January 2012, when 30-year-old Gelareh Bagherzadeh was found shot inside her car, which had crashed into a garage door.
The University of Texas medical student had been on a call with her ex-boyfriend when she was shot. The case remained unsolved for nearly a year.
Then, in November 2012, 28-year-old Coty Beavers was found shot multiple times in his apartment. His wife, Nesreen Irsan-Beavers, immediately suspected her father.
She revealed that Irsan had threatened to kill her and any man she married.
The Control and Fear
Ali Irsan, a devout Muslim, ruled his family with strict control. Nesreen endured physical abuse and was forced to live under his rigid rules.
When she met and fell in love with Beavers, she decided to escape. She secretly married him and moved out, but her father continued stalking her.
Irsan’s rage extended beyond his daughter. He also targeted her friend, Bagherzadeh, who supported her independence.
Just days after warning Irsan to leave Nesreen alone, Bagherzadeh was murdered.
The Investigation Unfolds
Authorities gathered crucial evidence linking Irsan to the killings. They discovered GPS devices showing his vehicle near both crime scenes.
His son, Nasim Irsan, was also implicated in Bagherzadeh’s murder.
Additionally, investigators found more than 200 stolen credit cards in Irsan’s home.
This led to his initial arrest on fraud charges, providing a breakthrough in the murder case.
The Trial and Sentencing
During the trial, prosecutors emphasized that the case was not about religion but about punishing a ruthless killer.
Witnesses, including Nesreen and Irsan’s wife, Shmou Alrawabdeh, testified against him.
Alrawabdeh revealed that Irsan had planned both murders and personally killed Beavers.
She also confessed to assisting in Bagherzadeh’s murder. GPS data and other evidence supported her claims.
After an intense trial, Irsan was found guilty of capital murder and sentenced to death in August 2018.
His son, Nasim, received a 40-year sentence, while Alrawabdeh pleaded guilty to kidnapping and is eligible for parole in 2026.
Uncovering a Past Murder
During the sentencing phase, Nesreen revealed that Irsan had killed before. In 1999, he murdered Amjad Alidam, a man who had eloped with his older daughter.
Although the case was initially ruled self-defense, authorities have since reopened the investigation.
Justice Served
Irsan remains on death row, while Nesreen, who risked everything to speak out, finally found justice for her loved ones.
Her bravery helped put an end to years of control and violence.
