Rhyhiem Ainsworth Barton was just 17-years-old when he was murdered on the evening of Saturday, 5 May 2018 in a drive by shooting.
Rhyhiem’s mother said: “We have endured five years without Rhyhiem and our family has been broken by his death. Nothing can bring him back and we are still seeking justice for him.
“My son died needlessly and I pray that no other family has to go through the pain of losing a child in such a way. I am begging you to please, if you know anything about Rhyhiem’s death, come forward and speak to either the police or anonymously to Crimestoppers.”
Police were initially called at around 6,05pm on Saturday, 5 May to reports of gunshots heard on Cooks Road in Kennington.
Officers, including firearms officers attended. At the scene Rhyhiem had been standing with a group of friends on the corner of John Ruskin Street and Camberwell New Road when he was shot.
People who were there will have seen what happened, but to date, nobody has come forward with information.
Detectives believe that a grey BMW Series 2 Gran Tourer with the registration WT17 CFK seen on CCTV around the time of the shooting is crucial to identifying those responsible. Officers are confident it is this vehicle that the suspects used to make their way to and from the area.
The vehicle was being driven on false number plates. The true registration should have been BP17 YVV – it had been stolen during a burglary in Essex overnight on 23 December 2017 and its registration plates were later changed.
Officers are keen to hear from anyone who knows anything about the vehicle or its occupants on the night of the murder.
Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn, investigating, said: “With the passing of five years I am hoping that any witnesses, or those with any knowledge about Rhyhiem’s murder, may now feel that they can come forward and tell us who was responsible.
“The years that have passed will have been long and traumatic for Rhyhiem’s loved ones and it is my hope that since the murder, people who did not feel they could come forward at the time, may now be in a position to speak to us.
“It may be that allegiances or friendships have changed, or you may want to do the right thing for Rhyhiem, whatever the reason, if you have information that can identify those responsible please don’t hesitate to get in touch.”
Appealing directly to Rhyhiem’s friends DCI Blackburn added: “I’m sure that people know who fired that fatal shot. Please give us the information we need to convict the people who killed your friend. We know that this would be a brave move on your part and we are here to support you in any way we can.”
Anyone with information can speak to officers direct on 0208 721 4005, call 101 or Tweet @MetCC.
To remain 100% anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Previous arrests: Two people, then aged 17 and 20, were arrested on suspicion of murder in June 2018. They were released under investigation.
Crimestoppers – the charity which is independent of the police – is supporting the investigation by offering up to £20,000 for anonymous information exclusively received that leads to the conviction those responsible for the murder of Rhyhiem Ainsworth Barton. Contact them anonymously online via Crimestoppers-uk.org and complete a simple and secure form. Alternatively, call free-phone 0800 555 111 to talk anonymously to a specially-trained call agent at the charity’s 24/7 UK Contact Centre.
Alexa Loukas, London Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “I speak for so many others when I express my deep sadness for Rhyhiem’s tragic death and that those responsible have yet to face up to the consequences of their actions.
“So far, no one has come forward with information that can make a difference. Crimestoppers is here to help make all our communities safe by giving people a way to speak up about crime, completely anonymously. You can talk to us with no comeback. That means we never ask for, or store, any of your personal details.
“Please speak up anonymously by either calling our UK Contact Centre on freephone 0800 555 111, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or use our website’s simple and secure anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
“We cannot trace your call or track your IP address and we never ask for or recorded any personal information from those who trust us with their crime information. No one will ever know you contacted us. What you know, even if you think it’s insignificant, could make a difference.”
