Sister pleads for information on anniversary of Alex’s killing

The family of a man shot dead in what is believed to be a case of mistaken identity have spoken of their heartache as detectives continue to hunt his killer.

Alexander Kareem, was only 20 years old when he was gunned down in Askew Road in Shepherd’s Bush, in the early hours of Monday, June 8, 2020.

He had gone into an off-licence and was on his way to a friend’s house on his e-scooter when he was shot and left for dead. Police were called at around 00.40am to reports of man with gunshot injuries.

Officers, with the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance, found Alexander with catastrophic injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene around 45 minutes later.

Two years on, detectives remain determined to catch those responsible for Alexander’s ruthless murder and are asking anyone who knows anything to come forward. His devastated family have spoken of their overwhelming grief and say their agony is being prolonged as his killers continue to walk the streets. Speaking on the anniversary, Alex’s sister Khafi, said: “Today marked two years since my brother Alex was murdered in cold blood.

“It feels so wrong to commemorate this kind of anniversary. Wedding anniversaries, birthdays, are things that should be celebrated and remembered, not a day of death.

“But two years on and still his murderers have not been found. This is not okay. “It hurts me every day and is not getting any easier, I just find better ways to suppress my grief as times goes on, but every time it arises it is like a dagger to my chest afresh.

“It has made me so sensitive to any news of death, especially shootings like those in Owo, Ulvalde, and particularly news of young black boys dying needlessly. They trigger so much for me.

“So I was dreading today. And if I had it my way I would have buried my head in the sand and pretended this isn’t my reality. “I had three brothers and now I only have two. And the people responsible are still walking the streets. It makes me so, so angry. If you have any information on Alex’s death, it is not too late to speak up.”

On the night of Alexander’s murder, it is believed the assailants drove past him in Askew Road in a white Range Rover and shot him in a case of mistaken identity.

The Range Rover was found burnt out just 25 minutes later three miles away in Ascott Avenue.

Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, who leads the investigation, said: “It’s now been two years since Alexander was murdered in cold blood by these cowards. Nobody deserves what happened to Alexander and we won’t stop until we catch those responsible.

“Alexander was adored by his family, who miss him terribly each and every day, and their grief is made so much worse by the fact his killers still walk the streets.

“My heart goes out to them as they continue to live with unanswered questions and without knowing who is responsible for his death.” Any witnesses or information, video or images that could help can call 101 ref CAD 224/08Jun20, or call Crimestoppers on0800 555 111.