Gang member jailed for 13 years after brutal teen murder in Croydon
Teen stabbed to death in terrifying home invasion
Romario Gordon, 22, has been sentenced to 13 years at the Old Bailey for the savage killing of 16-year-old Camron Smith in Croydon four years ago. On 1 July 2021, Gordon and a gang violently stormed Camron’s home on Bracken Avenue before stabbing him to death in his mum’s bedroom.
Emergency services rushed to the scene just after midnight, but Camron tragically 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 knife rampage tied together by DNA and CCTV
Earlier that day, the gang hijacked a minicab at knifepoint in Streatham, forcing the driver to hand over his car. Police recovered abandoned stolen vehicle in Croydon with DNA evidence linking Gordon and his mates directly to the crime spree.
CCTV showed the knife-wielding gang prowling Croydon, out for revenge after one of their own was stabbed earlier. They barged into three homes, terrifying residents before breaking down Camron’s door and murdering him.
Fugitive on the run for two years caught after returning from The Gambia
Days after the killing, Gordon fled the UK via Heathrow Airport and disappeared to The Gambia. An international arrest warrant was issued, but he avoided capture for two years. Authorities finally arrested him when he returned to the UK in August 2023.
