Loving family tribute to father of three shot dead in Croydon after silent disco

A father of three shot dead after a silent disco was about to start a new job – with his relatives paying tribute to a son who “had a big family and a big heart, always looked after his Mum and always tried to bring the family together”.

Leroy Mitchell, 35, was shot in the head in a car park Birdhurst Road, Croydon shortly before 5am on Saturday, 2 October.

In a statement, Leroy’s family said: “Leroy was a beautiful soul, hardworking, with a zest for life. He cherished his family and friends. He was loved by so many people, and his death will be felt for a long time to come.

“Leroy was a hard working family man and devoted father of three children. He had a big family and a big heart, always looked after his Mum and always tried to bring the family together. He was about to start a new job as a Royal Mail lorry driver, the Monday after he was murdered. Leroy never missed football training with his son and also took the son of a friend who had lost his wife. He loved all those that he surrounded himself with.

“His family and friends were the most important aspect of Leroy’s life. He was someone always happy to help, he always strived to make a change to others life. Leroy touched the hearts of everyone he met. Leroy had such a bright future ahead, seeing his children grow and blossom into strong, positive independent adults. It’s heart wrenchingly difficult as a family to think this has been ripped away from us all. He will be missed terribly.”

Detectives investigating the murder are continuing to appeal for anyone who was at the house party in the Birdhurst Road area of Croydon on Saturday morning, or who saw Leroy on the night of Friday, 1 October, to get in touch.

Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin said: “We’re just over a week on from Leroy’s murder now and our investigation is gathering pace. We’re following a number of leads and enquiries but we need the public’s help to bring justice to Leroy’s family.

“Officers would like to speak to anyone who was at that party, which is believed to be a silent disco. Even if you do not think you saw or heard anything significant, please contact police if you were there.

“Leroy was a popular local man and his family and friends have been left absolutely devastated by his death.

“I also want to appeal for any witnesses, anyone with information or anyone who may have relevant dashcam or other footage to please get in touch.”

There has been no arrest at this early stage.

To provide information, please call the incident room 020 8785 8244. To remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.