American Woman Sentenced for Failed Assassination in the UK

A 45-year-old woman from Wisconsin has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for a botched assassination attempt on her lover’s business rival in Birmingham, England. The incident occurred nearly six years ago, and the details are quite shocking.

Amy Betro was captured on surveillance footage hiding her face with a full Islamic Nikab as she waited in a car. When the intended target, Sikandar Ali, arrived, she attempted to shoot him, but her gun jammed.

After a few hours, she returned to the scene and fired three shots through a second-story window, as reported by the police.

In a text message sent to her associate Mahmad, she stated, “Stop asking for hiddenness. You’re stuck. Who is it? Is it your family or choose you?” These words reflect the chaotic nature of her situation.

Betro then fled the UK and managed to evade capture for five years before authorities tracked her down. She and an accomplice, Nazir, had attempted to frame an innocent British man for the shooting.

Betro, who hails from Westalis, Wisconsin, was sentenced in connection with a murder conspiracy in September 2019. Her online lover and his father had already been imprisoned for their roles in the plot.

During the sentencing, Judge Drew remarked on the severity of her actions, noting, “You didn’t just reach an agreement to kill. It’s a matter of coincidence that Mr. Ali wasn’t killed.” He emphasized that Betro was involved in a complex murder scheme and had pulled the trigger on two occasions.

In court, Betro appeared somewhat detached, dressed in a white top and black cardigan, as she was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder, possessing a firearm with intent to instigate fear, and illegally importing ammunition.

Nazir had received a 32-year sentence last year for his role in the conspiracy, while his father, Mohamed Aslam, was sentenced to 10 years. It is worth noting that prior to the attempted assassination, the three had all been involved in a physical altercation at a Target store.

Betro had been in the UK multiple times, including visits in December 2018 and May 2019, before making the final attempt in August 2019. Detective Alastair Orenka commented on the situation, stating, “We’re fortunate that our attempt to kill her target has failed due to a clogged gun.” Despite presenting herself as a tourist, her true intention was to commit murder.

Now, Betro will serve her sentence in the UK, a prospect that the judge described as “particularly difficult” given that her family and friends are in the US. Judge Drew also noted that Betro had shown some remorse during the proceedings.