The trial of a man accused of murdering 17-year-old Tanesha Melbourne-Blake in a drive-by shooting in Tottenham has collapsed nearly seven years after the teenager was killed.
Tanesha was fatally shot while standing with friends on Chalgrove Road, Tottenham, on the evening of Easter Monday, April 2, 2018. A car reportedly pulled up and an occupant opened fire. She died at the scene from internal injuries caused by a single gunshot wound, sparking a wave of public grief and calls for an end to youth violence in London.
Marcus La Croix, 37, from Hackney, was charged with murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, after allegedly confessing to the killing while in prison. However, his trial at the Old Bailey was abruptly halted on Thursday after the presiding judge, Mark Dennis KC, discharged the jury.
The decision followed concerns raised during the course of the trial, particularly surrounding evidence provided by two police officers who had recorded a key witness statement from the inmate who claimed La Croix confessed to the shooting. Judge Dennis stated that “issues had arisen that needed to be bottomed out,” prompting the collapse of the proceedings.
The Crown Prosecution Service is expected to announce on 20 June whether it will pursue a retrial. In the meantime, La Croix continues to deny all charges.
Tanesha’s death sent shockwaves through the Tottenham community and beyond, becoming a tragic symbol of escalating gang violence in the capital. At the time, hundreds attended vigils in her memory, with her family describing her as a “beautiful soul” who had no connection to gang activity.
As the legal process continues, her family and community remain hopeful that justice will eventually be served.
Anyone with information about the case can still contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
