Chilling CCTV footage launched by police exhibits the second a masked gunman walked calmly right into a crowded London park earlier than taking pictures a 15-year-old boy within the chest.
The killer, carrying a darkish cap and balaclava, had a handgun hid in his jacket pocket as he strolled by means of the youngsters’s play space at Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park in Ladbroke Grove, the place a whole lot have been celebrating at a household enjoyable day.
He opened hearth on Rene Graham earlier than leaping the park fence and chasing one other man on foot, whereas brandishing the gun in his left hand.
Police have launched the stunning footage a yr after {the teenager}’s homicide as they enchantment for details about the unsolved taking pictures at 7.20pm on 21 July final yr.
New CCTV exhibits the second a human entered a park earlier than taking pictures Rene Graham, 15 (PA Media)
New CCTV exhibits the second a human entered a park earlier than taking pictures Rene Graham, 15 (PA Media)
Metropolitan Police detectives imagine the solutions sit inside a small pocket of the west London group and a few know the id of the killer.
Detective chief inspector Alison Foxwell, who’s main the investigation, stated: “The individual accountable for Rene’s homicide opened hearth in a busy park the place dozens of individuals, together with very younger youngsters, have been having fun with themselves.
“Officers have appealed to the area people on a number of events – we imagine there are folks sitting on the identify of the individual accountable.
“This individual, who was keen to take the lifetime of Rene and danger the lives of others, stays in your group. Now could be the time to get in contact with us to offer Rene’s household the peace they deserve. Our ideas, stay as ever, with them.”
CCTV exhibits the second the masked gunman walked calmly into the park earlier than taking pictures Rene Graham, 15, within the chest in entrance of a whole lot at a household enjoyable day (Metropolitan Police)
CCTV exhibits the second the masked gunman walked calmly into the park earlier than taking pictures Rene Graham, 15, within the chest in entrance of a whole lot at a household enjoyable day (Metropolitan Police)
She stated Rene’s household stay devastated by his demise. A person in his 20s has just lately been interviewed beneath warning over the homicide however they’re persevering with to analyze all strains of enquiry.
In a heartbreaking enchantment final yr, {the teenager}’s mom Janay John-Francois, begged individuals who could know “something in any respect – or witnessed something” to return ahead, saying “your bravery could possibly be the important thing to bringing peace to a damaged household”.
In a private plea, she stated: “As we speak is my son, however tomorrow could possibly be one in all yours. Please stand with me by means of the darkest of occasions.
“From the depths of my shattered coronary heart I implore you to please come ahead and assist me discover justice for my son Rene Graham.”
She added: “The vacancy and heartbreak, there aren’t any phrases that may seize the agony of my loss.
“It is a grief so profound I might not want it upon my worst enemy – I’ve misplaced every thing, my world won’t ever be the identical.”
4 males – two aged 21 and the others aged 20 and 25 – have been arrested on suspicion of homicide final yr however have been launched with no additional motion.
Police cordoned off the world close to Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park, close to Ladbroke Grove, following the taking pictures at a household enjoyable day (Rosie Shead/PA Wire)
Police cordoned off the world close to Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park, close to Ladbroke Grove, following the taking pictures at a household enjoyable day (Rosie Shead/PA Wire)
Crimestoppers is providing a reward of as much as £20,000 for data that results in the identification and prosecution of these accountable for the homicide.
Alexa Loukas, London regional supervisor for Crimestoppers, stated: “Rene, was very sadly murdered final yr in broad daylight with over 200 folks current.
“The numerous and lasting influence on his household, buddies, and the area people, can’t be underestimated and our ideas and condolences are along with his family members.
“We imagine somebody who both witnessed the incident or is aware of of somebody who was there on the day, may have data. Irrespective of how insignificant they suppose it could possibly be, it may assist convey these accountable to justice. You may contact Crimestoppers utterly anonymously – we received’t ask to your identify and are unable to determine your phone quantity or IP handle if you’re reporting on-line.
“We don’t report calls, so after you have contacted our Charity there isn’t any additional involvement. Your data is handed anonymously on to the Police with no questions requested.
“Please do the appropriate factor to search out justice for Rene, who was solely 15 years-old on the time of his demise. Your data may make an actual distinction, and you might be eligible for a reward.”
You may contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
Any data could be offered to police by calling 101 or messaging @MetCC on X, offering the reference CAD 6343/21Jul.