Family of murdered father appeals for witnesses: ‘Our daughter can’t understand why her dad isn’t here with us’

BY TOBY PORTER
toby@slpmedia.co.uk

The family of a father who was knifed to death going to a corner shop to buy ketchup have urged witnesses to help police catch his killers.

The family of Jude Gayle, who was fatally stabbed in an alleyway as he returned to his mother’s house in West Norwood while cooking Sunday dinner, have issued a fresh appeal on the second anniversary of his death.

The Met are now offering a £20,000 reward for any information that leads to the prosecution of those responsible.

Doting father Jude, a personal trainer, was repeatedly stabbed on his way home on the Dunelm Estate on September 24 two years ago.

Jude’s partner, Rachel Goodchild, said: “Sunday, September 24 started like any other Sunday but ended so far from anything I thought could ever happen to me.

“That day Jude – my partner, my children’s father – got brutally murdered, leaving me, his beloved daughter and unborn son to face life alone.

“Our daughter speaks daily of Jude, wanting, wishing and hoping her reality of her daddy no longer being with us is just a dream. She just can’t understand why he is no longer here with us – something I will have to face all over again as our son gets older.

“Through the careless actions of others, I’ve been forced into bringing up our children alone, and I owe it to them and to the memory of Jude to get justice.

“So I am pleading from the deepest part of me – please, if you, or anybody you know, has any information – no matter how big or small – please help with the ongoing investigation. We need new, compelling evidence. Help us get justice for Jude.”

Jude’s mother, Pett Roach, said: “The past two years have been very difficult for us. I have just accepted that Jude will not be coming back from the shop. He is gone. No one can bring him back. We are left to pick up the pieces and continue with our lives.

“All I can hope for and all I want is justice, no more, no less. I want those responsible for killing my son convicted and served the maximum penalty.”

Detective Chief Inspector Tim Wright, leading the investigation, from the Specialist Crime Command, said: “On the second anniversary of Jude’s murder, we remain committed to bringing his killers to justice.

“Jude was taken away from his family in the worse way possible, he was a father, brother and a son and it is difficult for them knowing that nobody has been convicted of his murder.

“We have had a number of witnesses come forward with information as part of our investigation which we are very grateful for, but we want anyone who has not already made contact with us to come forward.

“The information you have, no matter how small, could be a vital piece of evidence. We are counting on you to get in touch and the information you provide will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

Anyone with information about Mr Gayle’s death can contact the incident room on 0208 721 4961, via the police non-emergency number 101 or anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.