The mother of a teenager shot dead in Ladbroke Grove has spoken of her heartache as his killer remains at large one month on from the shocking attack.
Families were enjoying a day out in Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park when the killer blasted a shot into the sky before firing at Rene Graham, 15, at about 7.20pm on Sunday, July 21.
At the time of the attack, it is believed more than a thousand people were attending the annual Park Lime event, organised by the Caribbean Music Association, which was billed as a "family fun day" featuring live music, games and face painting.
Rene's mother, Janay John-Francois, said the grief of losing her son is “so profound I would not wish it upon my worst enemy - I've lost everything, my world will never be the same”.
In a statement released by the Met Police, she said she “cannot begin to describe the depth of my pain after losing my precious angel”.
She explained there were no words that could capture the agony of her loss and the “emptiness and heartbreak” she felt.
The mother wrote: “I am reaching out to you and pleading for your help. If you know anything - anything at all - or witnessed anything that could help us, please I beg you to come forward.
“Please if you have any information no matter how small and insignificant it may seem, please could you share with us? Your bravery could be the key to bringing peace to a broken family.
"Today is my son, but tomorrow could be one of yours. Please stand with me through the darkest of times.
"From the depths of my shattered heart I implore you to please come forward and help me find justice for my son Rene Graham.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the death was a “shocking reminder" of the need to bring down violence on Britain's streets, in the days after the attack.
Police previously arrested four men, two aged 21 and the others aged 20 and 25, on suspicion of murder.
But following police enquiries they were later released with no further action.
Detective Inspector Adam Clifton who is investigating the case has made a direct appeal to witnesses who were in the busy park at the time of the shooting.
He said: “Today marks one month since Rene Graham was murdered in a park that was filled with people.
“If you were there, please consider whether you saw Rene in the park before he was shot, or perhaps you have pictures or footage from that day that may have Rene, or the suspect, in the background.
"We urgently need to understand the exact sequence of events in the park and it is clear many more people saw the shooting than have come forward.
“It is those people I am appealing to today. Please tell us what you saw, no matter how small or insignificant you may think it is, please contact us.”
DI Clifton added that detectives are particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw someone acting suspiciously on the nearby towpath.
He explained that the shooter was noticeable as he was dressed all in grey with a waterproof jacket, cap and a balaclava despite it being a hot day.
DI Clifton added: “The tragic loss of such a young life to violent crime highlights the need for continued focus on suppressing gun crime and placing offenders before the courts.
“At just 15, Rene should have had a long life ahead of him. Instead his life was brutally cut short by a shooter who showed absolute disregard for him and the families with young children in the park around him that day. Our thoughts remain with Rene’s family and friends.
“If you have information or footage, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.”
