Rajab Banahi Sentenced to Life

Rochester, NY – On Tuesday, July 28, 2026, Monroe County Court Judge Michael Dollinger sentenced 43-year-old Rajab Banahi to Life in the New York State Department of Corrections Without the Possibility of Parole for each of the three counts of Murder in the 1st Degree to run concurrently. Rajab Banahi was previously convicted by Judge Dollinger following a bench trial of three counts of Murder in the 1st Degree and Aggravated Criminal Contempt for the murders of Ali Banahi, Mastoora Banahi, and Masuda Banahi.

On January 11, 2023, at approximately 4:45 p.m., Monroe County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a 911 call from Rajab Banahi, who informed dispatchers that he had stabbed members of his family at a residence on Kathy Drive in the Town of Henrietta. Upon arrival, deputies found the defendant’s father, Ali Banahi, and the defendant’s mother, Mastoora Banahi, deceased inside the home with multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma. The defendant’s sister, Masuda Banahi, was also found suffering from life-threatening stab wounds and blunt force trauma. Masuda Banahi was immediately transported to Strong Memorial Hospital, where she later died from her injuries. Rajab Banahi was taken into custody at the scene.

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office conducted an extensive investigation into this violent crime. As a result of that investigation, Rajab Banahi was charged with three counts of Murder in the 1st Degree for the murders of his father, mother, and sister.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Patrick Gallagher, Chief of the Domestic Violence Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Michael Harrigan, Chief of the Major Felony Bureau.

“Life in the New York State Department of Corrections without the possibility of parole is the only appropriate sentence for this extreme act of violence,” said Assistant District Attorney Patrick Gallagher. “Rajab Banahi murdered his father, mother, and sister in a brutal act of domestic violence that shattered an entire family. For the remaining members of the Banahi family, there is no relief, no closure, just the end of this devastating and horrific chapter. While no result can restore what was lost on January 11, 2023, today’s sentence ensures that Rajab Banahi will be held accountable for his actions. Our thoughts remain with the Banahi family as they continue to endure this profound loss.”

“Today’s sentence ensures that Rajab Banahi will never again be able to harm another family member,” said Monroe County District Attorney Brian Green. “The murders of Ali Banahi, Mastoora Banahi, and Masuda Banahi devastated an entire family and shocked our community. I am grateful for the dedicated work of Assistant District Attorneys Patrick Gallagher and Michael Harrigan, whose diligence throughout this prosecution resulted in justice for these three innocent victims. I also commend the efforts of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, whose investigation laid the foundation for this life sentence. We hope today's sentence brings some measure of resolution as the rest of the Banahi family continues to honor the memories of Ali, Mastoora, and Masuda.”