Murdered man’s mum pleads for help to catch killers

Two years after the tragic death of Robert Powell, his mother has penned a heartfelt letter to the public pleading for anyone with information to come forward and help find her son’s killers.

50-year-old Robert was shot multiple times outside an address on Water Lane in Roydon in Essex during the early hours of Saturday 13 June 2020. Sadly, he died in hospital the following day.

Described as a “loving, caring and compassionate family man,” Robert was a father of three and a grandfather of two.

Despite an extensive investigation which has seen officers take 119 statements, seize 661 exhibits, and view more than 194 hours of CCTV footage, his family still don’t have the answers they deserve.

On the second anniversary since his passing, Robert’s mother has penned an open letter to those who may have information and are yet to come forward:

“I am appealing and writing this to anyone with information that may be helpful in finding my son’s murderers.

“June 14th will mark two years since the murder of my son Robert Christopher Powell. I am asking all those who know something, or think they know something regarding his death to come forward and speak to Essex Police, who are leading the ongoing investigation into his murder.

“Many of you knew my son personally, some of you were his friends, others may have heard about him, or heard his name mentioned in the circle of friends you hang out with. I do not believe in my heart that no one knows nothing, because everyone knows something, or has heard a rumour from somebody.

“So many mothers are looking for reasons behind the death of their children; I am one of those mothers who have been left to mourn the loss of our sons or our daughters needlessly. The pain is ongoing day by day for the rest of our lives.

“You wait, expecting a phone call, hear their favourite song, or smell their clothing. The worst pain of all is on their birthday.

“We live in a society where when a life is taken, everyone is at the funeral, everyone says they knew the person and the person’s lifestyle is then discussed by many. Why is it that during all this conversation, no one hears nor knows anything about their death?

“The police know how he died; we all know how he died. He was shot several times. The police need your help in finding these killers out there who are murdering our children. My son may have been 50 years of age when he died, but he was still my child.

“My son was an awesome person with a smile that still warms my heart. He was a father of three children and a grandfather of two. He was a well-loved son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin and friend to many, and we all love and miss him. He would call me every week or every other day, we would ‘Facetime’ each other and talk about the family, and the plans we have for the future. But others choose to take his dream and future plans for his family from him.

“I can only pray and plead to the conscience of anyone who has information, no matter how small, to contact Essex Police. It has been two years now, and we, the family of Robert Christopher Powell are asking you to please look into your hearts and help us find closure.

“I’ve lost my son to violence, and I will not be the only mother who will make an appeal for information regarding the death of their child.”

Senior investigating officer for the case, Detective Superintendent Stephen Jennings, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “Although it will never bring Robert back to his family, we will not stop until those responsible are found and brought to justice.

“Nobody should have to go through the pain of losing a child, but to have to bear that pain while those involved walk free is unimaginably cruel.

“A dedicated team of officers and staff are still carrying out extensive enquiries to progress our investigation and we welcome any new information, no matter how minor you think it may be.

“It’s never too late to make a difference and help Robert’s family, and it’s never too late to do the right thing and clear your conscience.”

Three men: 41-year-old Nana Oppong from Stratford, 36-year-old Israar Shah from Brentwood, and 37-year-old Temitope Adeyinka also from Stratford, are believed to have all been involved.

Nana Oppong, who is also known as Enz, is 5ft 6ins tall, of a proportionate build and has links to the East London areas. Recent information suggests that he may now live abroad.

Israar Shah, who also goes by the name of Slick, is 6ft 1ins tall, of a slim build and is known to have links to East London and Romford.

Temitope Adeyinka, also known as Limo, is 5ft 8ins and of a medium build. He has links to areas in East London, in particular Stratford and Bow.

Do you have information?

If you have any information please get in contact with Essex Police.

You can submit a report online or call 101.

You can also make a report to independent charity - CrimeStoppers, 100% anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or by making a report on their website. 

More information about rewards for information can also be found on the CrimeStoppers website.

Please reference incident 42/84970/20 when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right team as quickly as possible.