Aderahman Boumzough, a 25-year-old rapper, has been convicted of murdering 15-year-old Rene Graham at a music festival in Ladbroke Grove, London. The shooting occurred on July 21, 2024, at Emslie Horniman's Pleasance Park, where Boumzough fired a single bullet into the teenager's chest during the packed event.
Details of the Attack
CCTV footage showed Boumzough calmly approaching a children's play area around 7.20pm before shooting Rene. He then pursued a second victim, but his gun jammed, forcing him to flee. A £20,000 reward was offered for information leading to an arrest, and Boumzough was apprehended in September 2025.
Evidence and Trial
Investigators found a mobile phone video of Boumzough rapping about the firearm malfunction, saying: "Don't you hate it when your ting jams? I was prepared to take soul, but Allah had a different plan." At Woolwich Crown Court, a jury found him guilty of murder and attempted murder after a two-week trial.
Police and Community Response
Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell praised the community's cooperation, stating: "While only a small number of people came forward, I would like to thank those individuals who provided statements and supported the investigation, including attending court, who refused to allow a dangerous individual such as Boumzough to live amongst them." She added that the conviction resulted from "relentless work by officers who painstakingly reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV footage."
Sentencing
Boumzough will be sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on Friday, July 3. DCI Foxwell expressed hope that the conviction provides closure for Rene's family, saying: "My thoughts continue to remain with Rene's family and friends. I thank them for their cooperation and patience throughout this investigation."
