One month on from tragic killing of Rene – his devastated mum talks of her “shattered heart”

A month on from the fatal shooting of Rene Graham in Ladbroke Grove, his distraught mother has revealed the depth of her anguish and made an emotional plea for help to find the killer.

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

Rene’s mother, Janay John-Francois, said: “I am Rene’s mother. I cannot begin to describe the depth of my pain after losing my precious angel.

“The emptiness and heartbreak, there are no words that can capture the agony of my loss. This is a grief so profound I would not wish it upon my worst enemy – I’ve lost everything, my world will never be the same.

“I am reaching out to you and pleading for your help. If you know anything – anything at all – or witnessed anything that could help us, please I beg you to come forward.

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

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

“From the depths of my shattered heart I implore 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.”

Detective Inspector Adam Clifton who is investigating said: “Today marks one month since Rene Graham was murdered in a park that was filled with people.

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

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

“Similarly, we are keen to hear from anyone who saw someone acting suspiciously on the towpath, either before or after the shooting. The shooter was noticeable in that he was very warmly dressed for such a hot day, all in grey with a waterproof jacket, cap and a balaclava.”

Police previously arrested four men, two aged 21 and the others aged 20 and 25, on suspicion of murder. Following enquiries they were later released with no further action.

DI Clifton added: “The tragic loss of such a young life to violent crime highlights the need for continued focus on supressing gun crime and placing offenders before the courts.

“At just 15, Rene should have had a long life ahead of him. Instead his life was brutally cut short by a shooter who showed absolute disregard for him and the families with young children in the park around him that day. Our thoughts remain with Rene’s family and friends.”

Any evidence can be easily submitted online at Metropolitan Police’s Public Portal. Alternatively, call 101 or message @MetCC on X, providing the reference CAD 6343/21Jul.

To remain 100 per cent anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.