One month after Rene's tragic murder – his devastated mother speaks of her 'broken heart' – South London News

A month after Rene Graham was fatally shot in Ladbroke Grove, his devastated mother has revealed the depth of her anguish and made an emotional appeal for help in finding his killer.

A murder investigation has been launched after 15-year-old Rene was killed by Emslie Horniman in Pleasance Park at around 7.20pm on Sunday 21 July.

Rene's mother, Janay John-Francois, said: “I am Rene's mother. I can hardly describe the depth of my pain after the loss of my beloved angel.

“The emptiness and the grief, there are no words to describe the pain of my loss. This grief is so deep that I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy – I have lost everything, my world will never be the same again.

“I'm reaching out to you and asking for your help. If you know anything – anything – or have seen anything that could help us, please come forward.

“If you have any information, no matter how small and insignificant it may seem, could you please share it with us? Your courage could be the key to bringing peace to a broken family.

“Today it is my son, but tomorrow it could be one of yours. Please stand by me in the darkest of times.

“From the bottom of my heart, I ask you to please come forward and help me find justice for my son, Rene Graham. With all my love and hope, a devastated mother, Janay John-Francois.”

Investigating Detective Inspector Adam Clifton said: “Today marks one month since Rene Graham was murdered in a park full of people.

“If you were there, please consider whether you saw René in the park before he was shot or whether you may have pictures or footage from that day showing René or the suspect in the background.

“We urgently need to understand the exact sequence of events in the park and it is clear that many more people saw the shooting than have come forward. It is to these people that I am appealing today. Please tell us what you saw, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem to you, please contact us.

“We would also welcome feedback from anyone who saw anyone on the towpath behaving suspiciously before or after the shooting. The shooter was conspicuous by the fact that he was dressed very warmly for such a hot day, all in grey, with a waterproof jacket, a hat and a balaclava.”

Police had previously arrested four men, two aged 21 and the others aged 20 and 25, on suspicion of murder. Following investigations, they were later released without further action.

DI Clifton added: “The tragic loss of such a young life to violent crime underlines the need to continue to focus on reducing gun crime and bringing perpetrators to justice.

“At just 15 years old, Rene should have had a long life ahead of him. Instead, his life was brutally ended by a gunman who showed no consideration for him or the families with young children who were around him in the park that day. Our thoughts are with Rene's family and friends.”

All evidence can be easily submitted online through the Metropolitan Police public portal, or you can call 101 or message @MetCC on X quoting reference number CAD 6343/21Jul.

For 100% anonymity, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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