Tributes to martial artist Jahreau Shepherd, murdered on his 30th birthday

The killing of a “big softie” has left a colossal gap in his family and the world of martial arts fighting, friends say.

Jahreau Shepherd died at his home on the Black Prince Estate in Kennington on Sunday at 10pm – after spending the day celebrating his 30th birthday with a barbecue.

Police have launched a murder investigation and are appealing for anyone who saw anyone fleeing the scene.

Friends in the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and the wider world have already raised more than £17,000 for funeral costs on a GoFundMe page.

Welterweight Jahreau, pictured above, whose last five fights were all victories in the space of a year, coached up to 30 fighters at a time, from beginners to professionals, at London Martial Arts and Fitness (LMAF) in New Beckenham High Street.

His stunned clients called the morning after his death to find out what had happened.

Coaches and students alike were left stunned by the killing of the former Pimlico Academy pupil.

Owner Sayed Sadat said: “I reckon he could have dominated his division and been a champion. But in everyone’s eyes, he is a champion.

“He was revered. He was a good striker, very quick and fearless. He just wanted to be the best he could be.

“He was always cracking jokes and such a nice guy. He was a strong figure here – and also very humble.

“It is such a shame. I hope the family can deal with it and pull through. But we are all reeling.

“He did not have the best upbringing but pulled himself out of that. He came to the game late but he could have been very big. The fact that so many people respected him and have honoured him since he died shows that.

“You don’t see MMA competitors picking fights with anyone. He might have had a rough past but all we saw was a professional fighter and a big softie.”

Jahreau, whose nickname was “Nightmare” and had been an instructor at Pound for Pound gym in Lewisham, was in talks about owning his own franchise of LMAF in Dulwich.

Fundraising page organiser Martin Ireland said: “We want to raise enough funds to give the champion the send-off he deserves.

“Alpha Talent Management (ATM) is raising money for funeral costs and to support his family during this time.

“We are reaching out to the UK MMA fraternity to come together and show some love for Jay, who has been such an integral part of this industry.

“If he has ever fought on your show, supported you, been in your corner, trained you, inspired you or simply blessed you with his infectious energy please show some love and support and donate today no matter how big or small.

“Our sincerest condolences go out to his family and friends. RIP Jay, we love you, will always miss you and will keep your memory alive forever.”

World Muay Thai flyweight champion Jonathan Haggerty, from Bermondsey, was one of those who contributed. Fellow fighters Nik Aspen, Terry McMahon, Lexi Rook and George Tokkos have also boosted the total.

Neighbour Caz Duke said on the page: “The estate will never smile the same again.

“Thanks for sharing your laughter with our family, we will miss you our hearts are broken.”

DCI Dave Whellams from specialist crime said: “A man has lost his life and a family has been left suffering unimaginable grief because of the callous use of a knife to inflict fatal injuries.

“Officers who were called to the incident and then paramedics worked to save him, but tragically he died at the scene.

“I will do all I can to get justice for this family, and, along with colleagues from my homicide teams, I will use every available tactic to find whoever is responsible for this terrible attack.”