Croydon Teen’s Killer Caught After Wild Escape! Romario Gordon, 22, fled to The Gambia to dodge justice for the savage murder of 16-year-old Camron Smith. Now, he’s finally been convicted of manslaughter at the Old Bailey.
Romario Gordon Found Guilty in Brutal Teen Killing
On 25 September, a jury found Romario Gordon guilty of manslaughter over the shocking death of Camron Smith in July 2021. Gordon, from Monkston, was part of a vicious gang who smashed their way into Camron’s home in Croydon and launched a brutal attack that ended the teenager’s life.
Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Townsend said: “Camron was just 16 when his life was brutally ended in a frenzy of violence in his own home. Romario Gordon is the fourth person convicted over Camron’s killing. The path to justice has been long. Our thoughts remain with Camron’s family and friends who endured multiple trials. The injuries inflicted were shocking. Despite attempts to obstruct our enquiries, we have succeeded in bringing him to justice.”
Fleeing the Country and Crucial Forensic Clues
Police were called to Camron’s home just after midnight on 1 July 2021. Despite emergency crews’ efforts, he died from fatal stab wounds.
Gordon and his gang were linked to the crime by DNA found in a stolen minicab abandoned in Lower Addiscombe. The vehicle had been hijacked at knifepoint in Streatham the night before. CCTV showed the gang, armed with knives, terrorising local streets and going door-to-door hunting rivals of a friend who had been stabbed earlier that day.
They broke into three homes. At Camron’s house, they kicked down the door, chased him into his mother’s bedroom, and killed him in a savage attack.
Justice Served After International Manhunt
Days after the murder, Gordon disappeared to The Gambia via Heathrow Airport. An international arrest warrant was issued. He returned to the UK in August 2023 and was quickly arrested.
This conviction closes a grim chapter in Croydon’s history. Others involved are already behind bars:
- Romain La Pierre, 23, jailed for life with a minimum 28 years for murder and robbery
- Jordan Tcheuko, 22, sentenced to 14 years for manslaughter
- Two 16-year-olds locked up for between 18 months and eight years for manslaughter and robbery
The fatal attack and tough hunt for justice have rocked Croydon. Police vow to keep cracking down on violent gangs to make the streets safer for all.
