Caution: Contains disturbing content; discretion advised.

The Rafay Family Murders

Did the authorities get it right?

Victim(s)

Tariq Rafay (Father), Sultana Rafay (Mother), Basma Rafay (Sister)

Perpetrator(s)

Sebastian Burns, Atif Rafay

Case Status

Closed Case

Case Years

July 12, 1994

Location(s)

Bellevue, Washington, United States of America

In July 1994, the quiet Seattle suburb of Bellevue was shattered when the Rafay family—Tariq, Sultana, and their daughter Basma—were brutally bludgeoned to death in their home. The sole survivor, 18-year-old Atif Rafay, and his best friend Sebastian Burns, quickly drew suspicion, but investigators lacked hard evidence. For years the case sat in limbo, until an elaborate RCMP undercover sting—known as a “Mr. Big” operation—extracted chilling confessions that would lead to their convictions. But were the confessions genuine, or the result of psychological manipulation? The Rafay murders remain a haunting story of betrayal, brutality, and the lengths investigators will go to secure justice.

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