In early March of 2002, the life of Azita Jamshab, a 29-year-old Iranian immigrant, was tragically cut short in Cumberland, Maine. Her body was discovered in a gravel pit on March 7, 2002, the day after she was fatally shot. At the time of her death, Jamshab was making plans for a new beginning, intending to move and start fresh.
The investigation into her death soon focused on her life insurance agent, Santanu "Sam" Basu.
Prosecutors revealed that just two months prior to her murder, Basu had sold Jamshab a $100,000 life insurance policy and had named himself as the beneficiary. The motive, prosecutors argued, was financial, as Basu was deeply in debt. The situation escalated when Jamshab informed Basu of her plans to move and cancel the policy, which authorities believe prompted him to act.
Evidence presented during the trial painted a grim picture of premeditation. A "to-do" list in Basu's handwriting included items such as ammunition and a rental car, which were linked to the crime. Furthermore, Jamshab's blood was discovered in the car that Basu had rented on the day of the murder. A key witness, a friend of Basu's, testified that Basu had confessed to the murder in detail, providing information that only the killer would know.
During the trial, Basu offered a different version of events, claiming that he and Jamshab were kidnapped at gunpoint by a jealous lover of Jamshab's, who he alleged was the real killer. He claimed he remained silent out of fear for his family's safety. However, the jury was not convinced by his account. After three hours of deliberation, they found Santanu Basu guilty of murder. He was subsequently sentenced to 62 years in prison for the calculated and financially motivated killing of Azita Jamshab.
