The mother of a young man fatally shot has made a public appeal for information on the second anniversary of his death.
Father of three Akeem Moore was shot in the head in Eastney Road, Croydon on the evening of 7 October 2016. He was just 22-years-old.
A 36-year-old man arrested and charged with Akeem’s murder and other offences linked to the incident had the case against him discontinued due to insufficient evidence.
The ongoing investigation into his killing is being led by Detective Inspector Tim Wright of the Met's Homicide and Major Crime Command, and his officers are urging anyone with information about Akeem’s death to come forward.
Akeem Moore
Akeem Moore
A reward of up to £20,000 is being offered by the Metropolitan Police Service for information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of the person or persons responsible for Akeem’s murder.
Lilian Nelson, Akeem’s mother, said: “It's been two years now since my son was tragically taken from me. It is so shocking to me that someone could take another person’s life.
“Akeem was the most loving, fun, caring, cheeky and handsome young man. When he died there was a part taken from me that can never be replaced. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you and how this could of happen.
“Akeem always looked out for his brother, sister, cousins and friends. They remain totally shocked in the loss of him. As for Akeem’s children, not a day goes by that they don’t ask about their dad. The two little ones want daddy to come back from the clouds now as it has been too long, and his older son just wishes to play football with him again. How can we answer that?
“There is no point in killing each other, why does it have to be us blacks killing each other.
“Let us come together as a community and put a stop to all this violence. Guns and knife crimes must come to an end.
“As a mother whom has lost a son I'm coming forward and asking the public please provide any help or information about my son Akeem Moore's death.
“You run from man but you cannot run from God. Justice is in the hand of the Lord.”
Investigators believe that Akeem went to an address in Eastney Road to meet a friend. Upon going into the back garden with another man, both were shot by an unknown suspect who entered via a side gate.
The suspect, described as a black male, discharged the firearm twice. Akeem’s injuries were fatal; the other man received hospital treatment.
DI Tim Wright said: “It has been two years since Akeem was shot in cold blood and his life was violently taken, and his family have had to endure another year without him. Akeem was a much-loved son, brother and proud father with everything to live for, and the loss is a source of enduring pain for Akeem’s relatives.
“Our investigation has not stopped and our efforts to identify those responsible will not stop. We need information from people who know what happened that night, and we would urge them to think about the misery inflicted on Akeem’s family and the justice that they seek and deserve, and come forward.
"You may know who committed this murder or have information that could assist us, but have loyalties or fears about the consequences of coming forward. We would urge anyone who knows anything about this shooting to come forward and talk to officers. We will treat your information in the strictest confidence and offer you the necessary protection."
If you have any information that could assist the investigation, call the incident room at Sutton on 020 8721 4205 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.