Man jailed for 13 years over brutal slaying of teen after fleeing to The Gambia
Romario Gordon, 22, has been locked up for 13 years at the Old Bailey for the manslaughter of 16-year-old Camron Smith in Croydon four years ago. The court heard how Gordon and a gang violently stormed Camron’s home before killing him in July 2021.
Teen murdered in terrifying home attack
On 1 July 2021, Camron Smith was stabbed inside his own house on Bracken Avenue. Police and ambulance teams rushed to the scene shortly after midnight but despite their efforts, Camron died from his injuries. Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Townsend said:
“Camron was just 16 when his life was brutally ended in a frenzied attack in his own home. Our thoughts are with Camron’s friends and family. Today’s sentencing marks the culmination of a complex and lengthy investigation. I hope it brings a measure of closure for all involved.”
Gang’s violent spree linked by forensic evidence
The gang had earlier hijacked a minicab at knife-point in Streatham, forcing the driver to hand over his car. Police found DNA evidence inside the stolen vehicle abandoned in Croydon, directly linking Gordon and his group to the crime.
CCTV footage revealed the gang, armed with knives, prowled Croydon seeking revenge for a stabbing of one of their own earlier that day. They broke into three homes, terrifying occupants before kicking down the door to Camron’s house and killing him in his mum’s bedroom.
Fugitive arrested after two years on the run
Just days after the killing, Gordon fled to The Gambia via Heathrow Airport on 3 July 2021. An international arrest warrant followed. He was finally tracked down and arrested after returning to the UK in August 2023.
