Detectives investigating the murder of missing student Joy Morgan have issued an appeal for information about a red Honda belonging to the man accused of her death. Shohfah-El Israel, 40, of north-west London, is charged with murdering the 21-year-old midwifery student at the University of Hertfordshire.
Joy Morgan was last seen in Ilford, east London, on 26 December, and her body has not yet been found. Police have released a photo of the distinctive vehicle, which has a red body and black roof and bonnet, and are urging anyone who saw it over the festive period to come forward.
Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire major crime unit, said: “We know that Joy used to travel in this vehicle, which is highly distinctive, and I am particularly interested to hear from anybody who saw this vehicle over the festive period and into the new year.”
Morgan, described as slim, about 5ft 5in, with glasses and afro hair she regularly covers with a scarf, has links to Ilford, Battersea, Cricklewood, Stevenage and Luton. An online fundraising page set up by a woman in the US has raised almost $14,000 (£10,600) to support Morgan’s family.
Morgan’s cousin, Sharmain Morgan-Cyrus, 36, from Battersea, south-west London, expressed gratitude for the donations and said the family remains hopeful: “Aunty Carol has always got hope that Joy will come through the door, like we all do.” Israel is due to appear at St Albans crown court on 31 May, with a trial set for 8 July.
