Family speak of loss as first anniversary of Plymouth shootings approaches

PA Wire

The family of one of the victims of the Plymouth shootings have spoken of their loss ahead of the first anniversary of the murders.

Stephen Washington, 59, was one of five people shot dead by Jake Davison on 12 August last year in Plymouth, Devon.

The grandfather was the fourth victim in Davison’s shooting spree. He was gunned down in front of onlookers in a park in the Keyham area of the city.

Grandfather Stephen Washington was shot dead by Jake Davison (PA Media)

In a statement issued by Devon and Cornwall Police, his family said: “We the Washington family would like to say thank you to everyone for their kind support through the tragic events of August 12 2021.

“Our hearts and thoughts are still with the other families and survivors as we move forward towards the inquest in January.

“We miss Stephen every day and we are still struggling to come to terms with the tragic events of that fateful day.

Lee Martyn and his daughter Sophie Martyn, were also among the victims (Supplied)

“The grandchildren miss him dreadfully as they miss his fun and games and tickle sessions.

“We know as a family we will support each other through. We ask to be left alone now by the media so that we can focus on the inquest.

“Once again, thank you for all the help and support given by everyone.”

Davison, 22, killed his mother Maxine, 51, after a row and then shot dead four others, including Mr Washington, in a 12-minute attack.

Maxine Davison, 51, the gunman’s mother, was the first victim of the attack (Handout)

Kate Shepherd, 66, was gunned down in Henderson Place (Handout)

The other people who died were three-year-old Sophie Martyn, her father, Lee, 43, and Kate Shepherd, 66.

The apprentice crane operator then turned the pump-action shotgun on himself before armed officers reached him.

Plymouth will be marking the anniversary with a civic ceremony at the Minster Church of St Andrew and a vigil for the Keyham community in North Down Crescent Park.

The killings happened weeks after the shotgun and licence had been returned to him by Devon and Cornwall Police. They had been seized after Davison assaulted two teenagers in a park.

Jake Davison, 22, killed his mother and four other people in Keyham last year before turning the gun on himself (Devon and Cornwall Police/PA) (PA)

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the force’s approval of his application and decision to give him back his licence and shotgun.

In the wake of the shootings, the Home Office announced the police would now have to check a person’s medical history before issuing a gun licence.

All firearms applications must be accompanied by a medical document signed by a registered, practising doctor.

Additional reporting by PA