Police are urgently searching for a moped rider wearing a distinctive orange Just Eat jacket following the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Lathaniel Burrell in Stockwell, South London.
The court heard that the masked gunman, who remains at large, carried out a “targeted and premeditated attack”, shooting Lathaniel in the chest shortly after 3pm on Tuesday, March 4, in Paradise Road, near the Studley Estate.
The Old Bailey was told that the assailant was dressed in a crash helmet, gloves, and the recognisable orange Just Eat-branded jacket, and fled the scene on a stolen Honda moped.
According to prosecutor Ben Holt, CCTV evidence shows the gunman entering Paradise Road and leaving just 20 seconds later, during which time Lathaniel was fatally shot. The teenager collapsed on nearby grass and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two Charged in Connection with Murder
Omar Prempeh, 32, of Stanstead Road, Forest Hill, has been charged with murder, accused of acting as the getaway driver. He allegedly drove the gunman away from the scene in a Nissan Juke. Prempeh appeared at the Old Bailey on Wednesday (March 12) for a preliminary court hearing via video link from Belmarsh Prison, speaking only to confirm his name and date of birth.
Judge Rebecca Trowler KC described Prempeh as the “secondary party in a premeditated and targeted shooting in the street“, remanding him in custody. A plea hearing has been set for May 29, with a provisional trial date scheduled for December 1.
In a separate development, a 17-year-old boy has also been charged with Lathaniel’s murder and appeared at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. He is due to appear at the Old Bailey later this week.
Victim Remembered
Lathaniel Burrell’s family attended Wednesday’s court hearing and continue to grieve the devastating loss. They described him as a bright student, a Manchester United fan, and a teenager who loved playing PlayStation 5. A family friend added: “He was very bright at school and had so much potential.”
Police Appeal for Information
The Metropolitan Police are still hunting the gunman and have urged the public to come forward with any information, especially sightings of the suspect wearing the distinctive Just Eat jacket on a moped around the time of the shooting.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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