Teenage Gunman Convicted of Murder in Broad Daylight Shooting
A teenage gunman has been found guilty today of murdering a boy in broad daylight while disguised as a Just Eat delivery rider. Neo Duodu-Watson, aged 18, shot 16-year-old Lathaniel Burrell in the chest and back outside a block of flats on Paradise Road in Stockwell, south London, on the afternoon of March 4 last year.
Disguise and Deception in Planned Attack
Footage released by police showed the defendant riding a stolen moped and dressed in a distinctive jacket worn by Just Eat delivery riders to avoid arousing suspicion. A court heard how Duodu-Watson fired two shots from a pistol which had been converted to fire live ammunition. One bullet in Lathaniel's chest caused 'catastrophic' internal bleeding, but he managed to run a short distance before collapsing near a fence.
Members of the public rushed to help him and stayed with him until police and paramedics arrived. Despite efforts to save Lathaniel, the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene. Prosecutor Alan Gardner KC had told jurors: 'The gunman would have fired more shots but his firearm malfunctioned and disintegrated, leaving parts behind at the scene which were later found by the police.'
Organised Crime and Exploitation at Core of Case
Mr Gardner told jurors the murder was a 'planned, organised and premeditated shooting' by Duodu-Watson, who was assisted by Omar Prempeh, aged 33. Prempeh was the driver of a white Nissan Juke which was used to drive the gunman to and from the scene. Jurors were told Prempeh's car had a specially constructed hiding place which was an ideal place to conceal a gun.
Jurors were also informed that the defendants used a 'trap house' (a premises where illegal drugs are sold) as a base before and after the shooting. A police search of the address uncovered the Just Eat jacket worn by the gunman and live ammunition in one of the bedrooms. Police stated that at the time of the shooting Duodu-Watson was subject to electronic monitoring, but had removed - and later replaced - his tag so that he appeared to have an alibi.
Aftermath and Investigation Details
After the attack, Duodu-Watson also wrote lyrics in a 'drill track' boasting of 'winning the beef' and appearing to mock rival gang members in Stockwell. On a possible motive for the killing, Mr Gardner suggested its origins lay in the trade in illegal drugs and had 'many of the hallmarks of serious organised crime'.
Lathaniel's family said: 'Nearly a year on and we still cannot believe Lathaniel is gone. He was so beautiful inside and out and our lives will never be the same again. Lathaniel touched so many hearts and the pain of his absence is felt every day. We pray he receives the justice he deserves.'
Police Response and Community Impact
Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lee, who led the murder investigation, said: 'Our thoughts remain firmly with Lathaniel's family as they continue to navigate the unimaginable grief of losing a loved one in such a senseless and violent way. I am immensely proud of my team, who worked tirelessly and with unwavering dedication to secure today's outcome.'
She added: 'Their meticulous work – analysing CCTV, phone records, social media content, gaming data and vehicle movements – enabled us to construct a minute-by-minute account of the suspects' actions. This case has a deeply troubling element of child exploitation at its core. I hope today's guilty verdicts demonstrate our commitment to pursuing, arresting and convicting those responsible for such crimes – not only those who pull the trigger.'
DCI Lee urged: 'I urge anyone with concerns about the exploitation of a friend, family member or neighbour to contact police or Crimestoppers. Our exploitation teams will do everything they can to help. Protecting the children in our communities is everyone's responsibility.'
Verdicts and Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Following an Old Bailey trial, Duodu-Watson, from Peckham, and Prempeh, 33, from Forest Hill, were found guilty of murder on Friday. They were remanded into custody to be sentenced at a later date. Jurors were discharged after failing to reach verdicts on charges against three more men, who face a retrial in November.
