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Unsolved murders in London: 2024

Ten homicides in London in the year 2024 remain unsolved. Can you help? Contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 111 555.

Jonah Ho-Shue, 24, was stabbed in Albert Road, Crouch End, Haringey, at around 10.43pm on 4 January.

He died at the scene and the cause of death was recorded as a stab wound to the arm.

Five people – three men aged 23, 24 and 25, and two women aged 25 and 29 – were arrested on suspicion of murder and remain under investigation but nobody has been charged.

Detectives are offering a reward of up to £20,000 for any information which leads to the identification, arrest and prosecution of the person responsible.

Detective Inspector Emma Sharp said: “We understand that those with information may be concerned, but please, contact us to help give Jonah’s family the justice they deserve.”

He was a loving brother, son, cousin, uncle and a grandson and our hearts are broken. I wouldn’t want anybody to go through what we’ve been through as a family. I’m appealing for anybody who has information, even if you think it’s small, please come forward, please ease my family’s pain by doing the right thing.
Statement released by Jonah’s family

Kamonnan Thiamphanit, 27, was found dead at her home in Stanhope Place, Marble Arch, City of Westminster, when police officers forced entry to the address at around 8.30am on 8 April.

She had suffered stab injuries and the cause of death was recorded at postmortem as sharp force trauma.

Kammonan, who was born in Thailand and also had Chinese/Hong Kong nationality, had been living in the UK for around nine years. She first came to study at university and at the time of her death was working in London in property management.

She was renting out the flat in Stanhope Place as an AirBnB property. The building was formerly the Ethiopian embassy.

Police were contacted with concerns about her welfare twice on the evening of 7 April, at 7.05pm and 9.34pm, and officers initially graded the missing persons enquiry as ‘medium risk’.

The Metropolitan Police referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct because of this previous contact.

Police believe she was killed by someone known to her on 6 April. An inquest heard the suspect fled the country after the attack and detectives were seeking to gathering enough evidence to make an extradition request.

However no suspect has yet been arrested or charged.

Angela’s family said in a statement: “We are unspeakably hurt by the loss of our dearly loved one and are sincerely thankful for the relentless efforts of the British police in investigating this tragic event.”

Two men were found dead after a house fire in Forest Road, Walthamstow, Waltham Forest, on 21 April 2024.

Police were called to the blaze at 10.24pm. The victims have not been publicly named by police but were said to be aged 34 and 25. The Independent reported that they were immigrants from Algeria.

A murder investigation was launched on 23 April.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Webb, leading the investigation, said: “We believe that there may have been an incident outside the address in Forest Road before the fire started and I am very keen to hear from anyone who witnessed something or perhaps has doorbell or dashcam footage.

“Two people’s lives have been cut short as a result of this fire and we are determined to find those responsible. If you have heard something or have information about this incident please don’t hesitate to get in touch.”

Jazmel Patterson-Low, 26, was shot on the Westbury Estate, St Rule Street, Nine Elms, Lambeth, at around 2.25am on 11 May.

He was dropped off at St Thomas’ hospital by a private car at around 2.30am but was pronounced dead at 3am. The cause of death was recorded at the postmortem examination as a single gunshot wound.

A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder on 13 May but nobody has been charged.

In May 2025 the Metropolitan Police offered a £20,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.

Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe said: ““We want to know what happened that morning on St Rule Street SW8. We know there was a group of around 40 people gathered there on Friday evening and into the early hours of Saturday morning. If you were there, then you may have crucial information for us.

“I am grateful to those who have come forward already, however we still need more from the public. This is why we are now offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information that leads to the successful charge and conviction of the person responsible.

“Think back to last May, did you witness what happened to Jazmel? Do you know who fired the gun? Did you see anyone running from the St Rule Street area? If you know what happened, then you need to speak to us.

“We will support you throughout, you can also contact Crimestoppers to remain anonymous and your identity will be protected. Alliances change over time, so please do the right thing by coming forward.”

Rene Graham, 15, was shot dead during the annual Park Lime festival in Ladbroke Grove, west London, on 21 July.

The teenager was in Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park when a gunman entered via the children’s play area and opened fire at around 7.20pm.

Rene was hit in the chest and died at the scene near Hazlewood Crescent. The shooting was witnessed by dozens of people including young children.

The suspect, who was dressed in a dark waterproof jacket, cap and a balaclava despite the warm temperatures that day, then climbed over the fence and attempted to shoot a second victim following a chase down the street.

CCTV footage released by police in July 2025 showed the suspect walking along the pavement with a gun moments before Rene was shot. It also captured him chasing and pointing the weapon at the second male.

Nobody has been charged with the murder and Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information that leads to the identification and prosecution of those responsible.

Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell said: “The person responsible for Rene’s murder opened fire in a busy park where dozens of people, including very young children, were enjoying themselves.

“Officers have appealed to the local community on multiple occasions – we believe there are people sitting on the name of the person responsible.

“This person, who was willing to take the life of Rene and risk the lives of others, remains in your community. Now is the time to get in touch with us to give Rene’s family the peace they deserve.”

I cannot begin to describe the depth of my pain after losing my precious angel. The emptiness and heartbreak, there are no words that can capture the agony of my loss. This is a grief so profound I would not wish it upon my worst enemy – I’ve lost everything, my world will never be the same. 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.”
Rene’s mother, Janay John-Francois

Jade Anthony Barnett, 38, was stabbed in Clapton, east London, at around 3.38pm on 28 August 2024

He was driving a mobility scooter when he was attacked in Rushmore Road. Jade, who reportedly lost his leg in a motorcycle accident in 2007, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two men were arrested near the area but were later released with no further action.

DCI Phil Clarke said: “Jade was stabbed in the street during the middle of the day. I know there are people who have yet to come forward to police for whatever reason who will have seen what happened or taken pictures or video as events unfolded.”

Tikquaan Stephenson-Walters, 28, was shot in West Kilburn, northwest London, at around 11.05pm on 4 September.

Police said Tikquaan had no gang affiliation and was near his home when he was approached by a suspect on a white Honda moped in Bravington Road.

After a short exchange of words, the gunman shot him at close range. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 11.48pm.

The suspect fled north and turned into Marban Road.

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of murder during the investigation but nobody has been charged and the case remains unsolved.

CCTV footage of the alleged gunman riding the white moped in the area before the attack was issued by the Metropolitan police in September 2025.

DCI Wayne Jolly said: “We are particularly keen to identify a man who was captured on CCTV in the vicinity before the attack took place. I must reiterate my appeal for anyone who has not yet spoken to us to come forward and contact ourselves or Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Crimestoppers offered a £20,000 reward for information leading to a conviction to anyone involved the murder. The offer was due to expire in December 2025.

Tikquaan was a loving son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and grandson. Not only to his family but also his community. Tikquaan touched the hearts of many, his smile brightened every room he entered. He was an intellectual and charismatic young man who had no affiliation with any gang other than growing up and attending school within the local area. He grew friendships with people regardless of the paths they choose, he remained steadfast.

The aftermath of this senseless killing has resulted in a family and community that has been destroyed. No one can comprehend this catastrophic loss. The resentment felt by everyone has crippled his loved ones. If anyone has any information we urge you to come forward regardless to how insignificant it may seem.
Statement by Tikquaan’s family

Hanif Redwood, 32, was shot dead in a car park in Barking, east London, on 13 October 2024.

The father-of-two was targeted at 4.33am after he left a birthday party at Factory 15 Bar in Linton Road.

Hanif died at the scene and the cause of death was recorded at postmortem examination as a gunshot injury to the head.

The Metropolitan Police said in early appeals for information that two men were arrested on suspicion of murder and seven others were arrested in connection with the murder. Nobody has yet been charged and the case remains unsolved.

In October 2025 a £20,000 reward was offered for information leading to the prosecution and conviction of those responsible.

Detective Inspector Emma Sharp, leading the investigation, said: “We continue to support the family of innocent Hanif Redwood. His death devastated his family and friends, as well as many in the local community. Hanif was not the intended target.

“A year on from his murder, we are appealing for any new information. While we have made progress with our investigation, we still need those who know what happened to come forward.

“Someone must have seen or heard something, they must know why this shooting took place. No piece of information is too small, it could be the crucial clue that leads us to identify Hanif’s murderer.

“We hope the reward of up to £20,000 will encourage anyone with information about this incident to come forward and help the investigation. Can you assist the police and help Hanif’s family seek the justice they deserve?”

Hanif was a bright spark whose light has been dimmed far too soon. He was an innocent, hardworking and loving father of two, and it is heartbreaking to think that he has been taken away from us.

As his family, we are imploring anyone with information to make their voices heard, and to help us get justice for our beloved Hanif. To those who may know or may have seen or heard what took place on that horrific night, any information you have will be of great value to us to help the authorities apprehend those that carried out such a dreadful act.
Statement by Hanif’s family

To provide information to the police call 101 or message @MetCC on X, giving the reference 1295/13OCT.

If you wish to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Words cannot comprehend how I felt, and how I still feel. That’s my baby, he’s my baby boy and he’s gone. As a family we are utterly speechless and still at a loss one year on. I pray to God that we may get closure and justice for Hanif.

Anyone who may have seen or heard anything unusual in the area, or who may have information that could assist with the investigation, please come forward. Even the smallest detail could be crucial in helping us understand what happened.
Hanif’s mother, speaking in October 2025

Curtis Green, 30, was shot near Wells Park Road, Sydenham, southeast London, at around 10.10am on 10 November. He died at the scene.

Two others, a man and a woman, suffered gunshot injuries in the same incident.

Curtis, a father-to-be who owned a clothing brand and a local fitness company, was described by his family as “happy, excited and beautiful.”

Police said he attended a party in Hensford Gardens which started the night before the shooting.

Two women were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender but nobody has yet been charged with murder.

In November 2025 the Metropolitan Police issued a further appeal for information and the independent Crimestoppers charity offered a £20,000 reward for information leading to the prosecution and conviction of those responsible.

DCI Samantha Townsend said: “I am appealing to anyone who has information about what happened to Curtis. I am especially keen to hear from those who were in Hensford Gardens at the time of the shooting.

“The slightest bit of information can assist, you may not think the information that you have is important, but it may prove vital to this investigation.

“If you come forward, we will support you and try our best to ensure that we are able to protect your identity.

“Curtis’ family have had to face a year of not knowing what happened in the moments leading up to his death, please come forward with any information you may have, and help us provide family with the justice they deserve.”

Picture of murder victim Curtis Green — Curtis Green

London communities are interconnected through music, food, friendship, love, beliefs and blood. Violence on the streets and young people being murdered is a concern. We, his family appeal to those who know something to be brave and come forward.

You have a chance to heal our heartache, you can speak out and ensure that you do not have to experience the hurt, grief, stagnation and destruction that we have had to endure.

Curtis was and still is a much-loved member of our family and community, his son has now been born and will grow up not physically meeting his father. We miss Curtis every single second of every single day, we are pleading to you.

Popularity should not come before accountability.

If you know anything about what happened please come forward so that we can have some justice.
Statement by Curtis’s family in November 2025

Other potential cases:

The body of a newborn baby girl was found in a bin outside a residential building in Taviton Street, Bloomsbury, Camden, on 8 July. A man was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Unsolved murder at The Blue Bunny Club: Camille Gordon

Camille Gordon, 23, was stabbed to death outside the Blue Bunny Club in London’s Soho on 1 March 2004.

Police believe her killer was an angry customer of the club, known as a “clip joint” because it charged people large sums of money for spending only a few minutes with its hostesses.

Born in Jamaica, Camille came to the UK in 2001 and studied in Birmingham for several years before moving to London to work part-time at the club to help fund her dream of becoming a nursery school assistant.

She was not involved in the sex trade but was tasked with enticing men into the club by giving them the impression they would be able to take part in some kind of sexual activity.

Shortly before the murder she was working at the door in Archer Street when a man approached her at 6.20pm and paid the £5 entry fee. After spending around 10 minutes in the club he was handed a bill of around £375 when he tried to leave at 6.35pm.

It was eventually agreed, following a dispute with staff, that he would pay £80. The man then left.

He walked towards the junction with Rupert Street but returned to the club shortly afterwards, only to back away with his hands raised after seeing a different member of staff at the door.

The Blue Bunny Club in Archer Street (in 2004)

Half an hour later at 7.10pm, after Camille had returned to stand in the doorway, the killer – believed to be the same male customer – walked up to the club and stabbed her in the heart. She screamed and staggered down the stairs to tell her colleagues she had been stabbed in the chest.

The emergency services were alerted but she died of her injuries an hour later despite their efforts to save her life.

CCTV cameras captured a grainy image of a man running from the club towards Great Windmill Street and Shaftesbury Avenue.

CCTV cameras also captured the suspect entering Piccadilly Circus Tube station shortly after the murder. He was described as black, aged 20 to 25 and betwee 5 ft 5 and 5ft 8 inches tall.

He was wearing a dark jacket with a large ‘Cleveland Indians’ logo on the front, dark jeans, white trainers and a hat believed to be a baseball cap.

During subsequent police appeals, Detective Andy Mortimer said: “Camille appears to have been deliberately targeted by a customer who was angry about having been ripped off.”

The detective described clip joints as a “massive loophole” at the time because they were legitimate businesses that do not serve alcohol or provide sex shows and have terms and conditions posted on the walls.

DI Mortimer said Camille was “one of many girls employed to stand on the street outside the clubs”.

“These girls are drawn into working at the clip clubs because they can make a lot of money very quickly. One of our theories is that Camille was working at the Blue Bunny to fund her teaching course.”

Camille’s mother told the Evening Standard that her daughter was “a wonderful, happy, upbeat kind of person who loved to dance and made so many people happy.”

The family said they wanted to make sure that clip joints would be closed down for good, adding: “We are worried that other men will do the same thing, and more girls will be murdered.”

In 2007 clip joints were reclassified as sex establishments under the London Local Authorities Act and by September that year the number of clubs operating in the area had been reduced from eight to two.

During a renewed police appeal in 2024, following the 20th anniversary of the murder, the Metropolitan Police offered a £20,000 reward for information and issued previously-unreleased CCTV images and video.

CCTV footage of the suspect in the murder of Camille Gordon

Detectives also appealed for a potential witness to get in touch. Two days after the murder, on 3 March 2004, a man attended Kennington Police Station and asked to speak to a detective about a murder at the Blue Bunny Club. However, he left before the CID officer got there and he never returned. He was described as white, about 35 years old, about 5 ft 8 inches tall, of skinny build with defined cheek bones and light brown hair.

The case was featured on BBC’s Crimewatch in October 2024.

It may have been more than 20 years since Camille was brutally murdered, but her family remain just as heartbroken today. They want answers and they want the person responsible for Camille’s death brought to justice – this is something we want too and we have not given up trying to get that for them. This is why we are now offering a £20,000 reward for information that leads to the successful charge and conviction of the person responsible.

A lot can happen in 20 years, allegiances can change. Maybe you felt unable to talk to us at the time, for whatever reason, but you are now in a position to do so. Maybe you saw the attack or you were at the club or in the area at the time of the murder? Maybe the person responsible has since confided in you? I would urge you to share whatever information you have with us – it will be treated in the strictest confidence and could bring much needed closure to Camille’s family.
Detective Inspector Amanda Greig from the Met’s Specialist Casework Team

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8785 8267. Information can also be submitted online to the Public Portal (mipp.police.uk) or anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Unsolved murders in London: 2023

Nine homicides in London in the year 2023 remain unsolved. Can you help solve these crimes? Contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 111 555.

Fernando Johnson, 23, was shot dead in in Rosebank Way, North Acton, Ealing, on 26 January 2023.

He was attacked shortly after he arrived home in a Mercedes car at around 2.15am. Fernando, an aspiring musician and former youth footballer, died at the scene.

A man was arrested on suspicion of murder and released on bail.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Denby said: “We are keen to hear who might have been in and around the area at the time of this incident. I urge you to check doorbell cameras and dash cam footage for anything you may have captured – it doesn’t matter if you think it is insignificant, we still want to receive it.”

He was greatly loved by family and friends and well known to the community he always had a smile on his face and greeted everyone with a big smile and hug. He was a loving family man. He wanted the world to hear his story through his music. He was passionate about achieving his ambitions. He was a talented footballer and played for QPR as a youngster.

He was very polite and brilliant with people of all ages. It’s a great loss to the family and community, we will make sure his memory lives on. His mother, father, grandmother and two elder brothers are devastated like all of us. He was the apple of their eye.’
Statement from family of Fernando Johnson

Tiffany Regis, 15, died in a fire at a block of flats in Tollgate Road, Beckton, Newham, at around 5.30pm on 6 April. A postmortem gave the cause of death as smoke inhalation. Five others at the address were injured.

Police said the fire was being treated as arson and arrested a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of murder.

DCI Joanna Yorke said: “I know that there were a number of young people and residents inside the address before the fire happened and our enquiries are ongoing to identify everyone who was there, not least of all to ensure that everyone is okay. We are still keen to hear from anyone who was present or has any information but has not yet spoken with police. Please get in touch.”

Darren Augustin, 44, was stabbed in Brentwick Gardens in Brentford, Hounslow, west London, on 26 April 2023.

He was found injured after police were called to reports of intruders at the address in Brentwick Gardens at 5.15am.

Darren, a father-of-two, was pronounced dead at the scene. A postmortem gave the cause of death as stab wounds to the chest and abdomen.

Police arrested eight men and three women on suspicion of murder. Ten of those were later released with no further action.

During early appeals, detectives said they were trying to trace a man who was with Darren when the pair attempted to gain entry with the intent to carry out a burglary. DI Jason Fitzpatrick said: “CCTV analysis has confirmed this man was with Darren and attended the flat in Brentwick Gardens – we need to know who he is and I would urge anyone who knows his identity to come forward and speak to police.”

In May 2024 the Metropolitan Police offered a £20,000 reward for information leading to a prosecution.

Detective Inspector Suzanne Soren of Specialist Crime, Homicide & Major Crime Command said: “Officers have been working tirelessly on this case for a year now. While the investigation continues, we are appealing to people to dig deep into their consciences – if you have information that can help, I urge you to come forward.

“Despite the passing of time, the heartache felt by Darren’s family has not faded. Allegiances and friendships will have changed, in particular there may be people who felt they could not come forward before, but I urge you to do so now. Darren was only 44 when he was killed. He left behind a loving family who are desperate to know what happened to him. We still need the public’s help to find who was responsible for Darren’s brutal murder.

“Were you in the area at about 5am on Friday, 26 April 2023? Did you see or hear anything? Do you have any information that could help police at all?

“We are offering a generous reward of £20,000 for any information that could lead to the identification, arrest and prosecution of the person responsible for his murder so if you know anything at all, we encourage you to contact police.

“You can call police on 020 8721 4961 or contact us anonymously via the independent charity, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“Any information you have could help to take a killer off our streets, as well as giving a grieving family the answers they deserve.”

Darren was a family man, he leaves behind his family including two children, he did not have a bad bone in his body.
Family statement

Emiliano Hasanpapaj, 22, was stabbed during a fight involving a group of people in Berkshire Gardens, Palmer’s Green, Enfield, at around 11.50pm on 11 July.

He attended hospital with a stab wound but died a short time later.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and released on police bail. Nobody has been charged.

Claudyo Jauad Lafayette, 17, was stabbed during a birthday party in Granville Road, Kilburn/North Maida Vale, Brent, at around 11.22pm on 14 July 2023.

He died at the scene and a postmortem gave the cause of death as a stab wound to the abdomen. A second 17-year-old boy was also injured.

Five people have been arrested during the investigation but nobody has been charged with murder.

On the one year anniversary, the Metropolitan Police renewed appeals for information. The Crimestoppers charity also announced they were offering a £20,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.

DCI Wayne Jolley said: “There were many people around on the night of Claudyo’s murder, some of whom saw or know what happened to him. I am asking you on behalf of the police and Claudyo’s family to tell us what you know. I also ask that anyone who may have captured any footage of the incident on their phone to get in touch.”

To provide information contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Claudyo’s mother Yzakia Jauad and her partner at the memorial where her son died

I know whatever I say or do will not bring my son back, but I am pleading for your help to get the justice my son deserves.

Claudyo had a real sense of injustice when it was done to other people. He would always go out of his way to help others. His friends and especially younger children would actually wait for him at the school gate for whatever reason, he was their safeguard which says a lot about his character.

That’s why it’s my obligation as his mother to make sure we get justice for our son.
Claudyo’s mother Yzakia Jauad, speaking in July 2024

Ronaldo Scott, 21, was stabbed near Morrison Road, Brixton, Lambeth, at around 12.08pm on 4 September.

He collapsed at a children’s playground and died at the scene, not far from his family home.

Ronaldo also used the name Skengroy and had been known as a member of the UK drill group 150 based in Angell Town. His family said he had recently started a construction course for a career in the building trade.

Witnesses claimed several men jumped out of a car and attacked him in the street. Police appealed for information about two suspects seen on CCTV running away from the scene.

Police reappealed for information a year later in September 2024. Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn said: “I am extremely grateful to everyone who has come forward so far to help us piece together the circumstances of Ronaldo’s death, but we know there are more people that we still haven’t heard from and we really need those people to get in touch. It is important that we hear from you now.

“Although we have made significant progress with the investigation, we need to gather as much evidence and information as we can to secure a successful conviction.

“If you do not come forward now, then you may prevent a family from securing justice for their son, grandson, brother and uncle. We will continue to support Ronaldo’s family throughout this painstaking process.

“If you saw, or have heard anything since, no matter how insignificant you might think it is, please contact us. At the very least your information could add certainty to details that we haven’t yet confirmed. Please, give a grieving family a chance of securing justice for Ronaldo.

“It has been a year since Ronaldo’s murder. A lot of allegiances and circumstances can change in that time. We understand that, for many reasons, people will not want to speak to the police, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously. They will not trace your call or your IP address.”

The last year has been incredibly painful for us as a family. We lost such a huge part of our family when Ronaldo was murdered. Our family will never be the same, we will never recover from this. We are pleading for anyone who can help us to come forward and either speak to the police or Crimestoppers. Please help us get justice. Ronaldo, we love you and miss you terribly.
Statement by Ronaldo’s family in 2023

Contact the incident room on 0208721400, police on 101, or the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Max Moy Wheatley, 19, was stabbed in Jubilee Park near Tent Peg Lane, Petts Wood, Bromley, at around 2.30pm on 20 September.

Max, who lived in Orpington, died at the scene and a postmortem examination recorded the cause of death as a stab wound to the heart.

Two men were charged with murder on 1 October 2023 but the charges were later discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service and the case remains unsolved.

On the first anniversary of Max’s death, his older sister took part in renewed police appeal for information, describing him as a “peacemaker”.

Max may have been 19 but he was just a kid, a kind boy who would’ve helped anyone if he could. Max loved music and spending time with his family and friends. Max wasn’t a horrible boy, he was young and carefree, he hated confrontation and was often a peacemaker between his friends and he would never hurt anyone as he had a strong sense of right and wrong.

Just for a moment I ask you to put yourself in our shoes, we currently have no answers or understanding of why my brother was cruelly and brutally murdered as he walked through a quiet park in Petts Wood. As a family we didn’t get the opportunity to hold his hand or comfort him in his last moments as he never left the park alive. We’d give anything to have been able to hold his hand or see his face one last time. As a family we are stuck in a constant state of despair, knowing that whoever is responsible for Max’s murder has not been brought to justice and knowing that another family could soon be feeling the same mental torture and pain we have been feeling for almost a year.

I’m asking you to think back to that day, the 20th September 2023 – if there was any information that could help us as a family get justice for my little brother and a small piece of closure for my family please contact the police. There are people out there that know what happened to my brother that day. You may feel the information you have may not be relevant, you may have thought nothing of it at the time, you may have heard something that can help, maybe a conversation or you may feel scared to speak up but as a sister who’s entire world and family was ripped apart through one mindless, violent act I am begging you to come forward and do the right thing. If this was your child, your little brother, your friend, you would want people to do the right thing and come forward so no other family experiences the same pain that we feel.

Detective Inspector Adam Guttridge said: “We still need to hear from anyone who may have information relating to the murder of Max.

“This has been a challenging investigation and we are seeking information about the events that led to this young man losing his life. We want to provide answers to Max’s family and ensure they see justice for him.

“I am especially keen to hear from anyone who has information about the incident or those involved. We also need to hear from anyone who was in Jubilee Park at the key time and has not yet contacted police. There is a dedicated online portal where information can be uploaded.

“Anyone who thinks they may have information relating to Max’s murder, however small or insignificant they feel it may be, should contact the investigation team on 020 7175 2206 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.”

David Ackerley, 45, was found dead at his home in Cedar Court, Boston Manor Road, Brentford, Hounslow, after he was reported missing to police at 9.30am on 8 October.

A post-mortem examination determined the cause of death was a brain haemorrhage.

Police said he had been assaulted outside his home between 6.15pm and 6.30pm on 30 October and had received hospital treatment for an injury to his face.

Detectives are appealing for help tracing Jack Hill, aged around 22 and also known as Jimmy Brazil.

Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Grogan said: “David’s grieving family have many questions about what happened to him, and we are now trying to provide them with answers. Part of this important work is building a picture of David’s life, the people he associated with and incidents he was involved in. I’m sure many people will know and recognise David from the local area. He had his vulnerabilities and people will have seen him out and about. We still need the public’s help to know more about David, or about any incidents he might have been involved in. Please contact us without delay.”

Ilyas Habibi, 17, was stabbed near Sutton Railway Station in Sutton High Street, Sutton, at around 7.08pm on 5 December.

He was pronounced dead at the scene at 7.53pm. The cause of death was recorded at postmortem as a stab wound to the neck.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Nolan said: “We know that Ilyas arrived at Sutton High Street by train. Minutes after he came out of the station he was involved in an altercation with the suspect who then fled the scene. Ilyas had suffered fatal wounds.”

Police said the suspect fled the country via London Gatwick Airport on 9 December. He has not yet been located and nobody has been charged with murder.

The following cases could be included but we await further information:

Ann Murphy, 77, was found dead in a residence in in Harold Road, North Acton, Ealing, after police were alerted to concerns about her welfare at 6.39pm on 25 June. She was pronounced dead at the scene and a postmortem found the cause of death was a head injury. A 74-year-old man known to the victim was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and taken to hospital due to concerns for his health. DCI Neil John said: “We have made one arrest and are not looking for anyone else at this time in relation to this investigations. We would reiterate our appeal for anyone with any information to come forward and speak with officers.”

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How police solved the 1994 cold case murder of Marina Koppel

Marina Koppel, who was murdered in 1994. Her case was finally solved 30 years later.

On the evening of Monday 8 May 1994 David Koppel was becoming increasingly worried about his 39-year-old wife Marina.

Unusually, he had not been able to reach her by phone that day. So at 9pm he left his home in Northampton and drove all the way into central London to visit her flat near Baker Street, Marylebone, in the City of Westminster.

He arrived at the Flat in York Mansions in Chiltern Street at about 11.30. As he went through each room he found his wife lying on the floor of the second bedroom, wrapped in bedding.

She had been stabbed at least 140 times to the neck, chest and back, and her blood could be seen splashed over the floor, the bedding, the furniture and the walls.

Marina also had knife injuries to her arms and hands, which suggested she had attempted to fend off the blows during the attack.

David Koppel immediately called police, who began a murder investigation.

Detectives established that Marina, a colombian national, had moved into the flat two weeks before her death and used it to see clients while working as a masseuse offering sexual services.

Her husband, who had married her in 1983 after meeting her in a casino, was aware of the arrangement. He told police that her clients were usually well-to-do professionals and businessman and that her usual rate was £80 (roughly around £250 in 2024). She would usually stay at the flat during the week and stay with her husband in Northampton at weekends.

So was the killer one of her clients? Or was robbery the motive? One clue was that Marina’s bank card was stolen from her flat and used at a cash point to withdraw cash shortly after the murder, and several times in the next two days, having somehow gained knowledge of her PIN.

Other evidence recovered from the scene were Marina’s ring and a brown plastic shopping bag.

A fingerprint found on the bag was identified as belonging to Sandip Patel, then 21, who worked at his father’s shop named “Sherlock Holmes News” in Baker Street.

However the bag in question was from the shop and therefore it could be argued that finding his fingerprint on it was not unexpected. As a result he was not treated as a suspect and the police investigation failed to make any further headway for more than a decade.

Sandip Patel as he would have appeared in 1994

Sadly David Koppel died in 2005 before further crucial evidence was identified.

When the evidence was re-examined in 2008, a single hair was found stuck to Marina’s ring. However it was not until 2022 when scientists were able to use new techniques to obtain a DNA profile from it.

When the profile was run through the database it came up with a match to Patel, whose DNA had been added to the database as a result of a conviction for actual bodily harm in September 2013 after he punched his girlfriend.

When Patel, 51 (26.08.1972), of Queens Court, Finchley Road, NW8, was arrested he told police that he had no recollection of Marina Koppel or her flat. “I have no idea how my fingerprint came to be on this carrier bag or how a hair of mine was present,” he said in interivew.

Experts were also able to link Patel to the print of a bare left foot in blood on a skirting board at the crime scene.

The bloody footprint was matched to Patel’s left foot

He was rearrested and charged with murder in March 2023. This time he answered no comment to questions.

Patel was convicted of murder at the Old Bailey on 15 February 2024 following a trial at the Old Bailey.

At the sentencing hearing the following day, the prosecutor argued the murder bore some of the hallmarks of a sadistic and a sexually-motivated killing, and suggested it was a killing for financial gain given the use of the bank card.

The judge, Mr Justice Cavanagh, said he could not be sure there was a financial motive, or that it involved “sadistic conduct”, or that it was motivated by sexual conduct. However he said he had a “strong suspicion” that Patel killed Marina “because of shame and embarrassment at your sexual performance”.

It is clear that you had been admitted to Ms Koppel’s flat as a client. I have no doubt that you had taken your clothes off in the bedroom. Your bare feet made marks on the skirting board. Also, when she was found, Ms Koppel was wearing lace underwear and stockings and nothing else. This shows that you were involved in sexual activity with Ms Koppel, or had intended to be involved in sexual activity with her.

There is nothing to suggest that you went to the flat with the intention of murdering Ms Koppel: you went there to avail yourself of her sexual services. There is no evidence that you had taken a decision to stab Ms Koppel before you arrived at the flat. There was a search for the murder weapon but it was never found, so you certainly took the knife away with you, but the evidence showed that the murder weapon had a singled-sided blade of the sort that is found on a kitchen knife. The likelihood is that the knife that you used came
from Ms Koppel’s kitchen. Therefore, whilst I cannot be sure that you brought a knife to the scene, I can be sure that at some stage you left the bedroom to obtain a knife and then went back into the bedroom to assault Ms Koppel.
Sentencing remarks of Mr Justice Cavanagh

Patel was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 19 years before parole, on the basis of the sentencing regime that applied at the time of the murder. (The judge said that a minimum term of 24 years would have applied to the crime if it was committed under regime as it applied at sentencing in 2024).

Marina Koppel, our sister-in-law, was an extremely bright, highly intelligent and charismatic person, who saw good in her family and all people she met. She wanted to give them everything they needed, especially her two children and nephew who grew up in Columbia.

Her family and friends would have been in a much better place because of her abundance of energy for life had she not died. Marina was a daughter, a sister, a mother, a loving aunt, a daughter-in-law and a sister-in-law who was much loved by all of us as she loved all of us.

Had Marina lived, all of the lives of her family and friends would have been enriched and further evolved. We have all suffered these many, many years because we lost Marina so early in life
Marina’s sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mary and Martin Koppel, speaking in 2024

After the verdict, Detective Superintendent Katherine Goodwin, Head of the Specialist Casework team for Central Specialist Crime said: “It is extremely sad that her husband did not live to see this day.

“Even though Patel has been convicted for the brutal murder of Marina, we may never know the reasons for his actions on that day. Unsolved murder cases are never closed and it is due to the developments of forensic techniques we have been able to identify the suspect for this barbaric crime.”

Dan Chester, the Met’s forensic lead for cold case homicide investigations, said unsolved historic murders c”an be among some of the most complex and challenging cases for police to solve.”

He added: “This was a great team effort with the forensic scientists, fingerprint experts, the forensic manager and the investigating team all playing their part in solving Marina’s murder.

“Forensic techniques and technologies are constantly evolving, and the police will continue to review serious unsolved cases and, where possible, pursue new opportunities to enable both the prosecution of those responsible and to exonerate the innocent.”

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A random attack? The unsolved murder of Anthony Littler

Shortly after midnight on 1 May 1984 a civil servant was found seriously injured in an alleyway behind East Finchley tube station in north London.

Anthony Littler, a 45-year-old single man who worked for HM Customs and Excise as an executive officer, had suffered “catastrophic” wounds to his head and was pronounced dead at the scene.

He lived lived just a short distance away from the station and detectives believe he was walking home after a night out when he was attacked on a pathway known as ‘The Causeway” at around 12.15am.

Photo of the Causeway, where Anthony Littler was attacked in 1984 — The Causeway, where Anthony Littler was attacked in 1984

The initial police investigation was unable to prove who killed Anthony or why, although detectives said they believed it was a random attack which may have been linked to another assault in the same area two days earlier.

The victim of that earlier attack has never been traced but he told a shopkeeper at Galleon Wine Stores on High Road, East Finchley, that he had been assaulted by two young people with a baseball bat outside the tube station on 28 April 1984.

He was seen to have severe facial injuries including a badly bruised black eye when he spoke to the shopkeeper the next day. The shopkeeper described him as being 6ft tall and of medium build with short brown hair.

The case was reviewed in 1993 and 2013 before detectives launched a renewed appeal in December 2023 and asked for witnesses to come forward with information about either incident.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, leading the investigation, said: “We understand that this murder took place almost 40 years ago and that people’s memories will have diminished over time.

“However, this witness statement suggests the man who came into the shop was subject to a particularly vicious attack. We believe that the victim would not have forgotten what is likely to have been a traumatic event in his life.

“If you think this may have been you, or you believe you know who was attacked or even who the attackers were, we would ask you to come forward and speak to us now.

“The length of time passed has not diminished our efforts to get justice for Anthony and his family. No piece of information will be considered too small.”

Another mystery surrounding the case related to the person who dialled 999 to report the attack on Anthony Littler. Police believe it was a male caller but they did not leave their name or any other details.

Anthony was a lovely, kind and gentle man who wouldn’t have hurt anyone. It is heart-breaking to our family that this happened to him. After all this time, we hope this new investigation puts those responsible behind bars. It won’t bring Anthony back, but it will give us some closure.”
Tricia McClure, Anthony’s cousin, speaking in 2023

Anyone with information should contact police on 020 8358 0100 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

UPDATE 6/3/25: Two men have been charged with murder: Michael Stewart, 55 (11.04.69) of Station Road, EN5 and Anthony Stewart, 59 (19.11.65) of Old Farm Road, N29. They were originally arrested on 21 March 2024. Three other men remained under investigation.