Family and friends of Alexander Kareem – murdered in a case of mistaken identity – are calling for support in finding the killer of the Shepherds Bush computer student.
A vigil was held in Hammersmith’s Ravenscourt Park on Monday (25 March) on what would have been Alex’s 24th birthday.
More than a hundred friends and family members joined to remember Alex. They also wanted to raise awareness for the ongoing case and the £20,000 reward.
“Alex was an innocent boy who loved his computers,” Alex’s sister, Kahfi Kareem, told the BBC. “We haven't had any closure and haven't been able to let Alexander rest in peace.”
If you know something, please come forward and help solve this case.
Remembering Alex
Four years ago, the 20-year-old was gunned down in Askew Road in Shepherds Bush, not far from his home. No arrests have been made and the Met Police don’t have any new leads.
“We just want people to come forward with information about what happened to Alex,” added Kahfi. “As time goes on, it's harder for new evidence to come to light. We want justice.”
A £20,000 Crimestoppers reward has been put up for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of Alex’s killers.
Shooting
Alex was shot in the abdomen and chest at 12.40am on 8 June 2020 in Askew Road and pronounced dead at the scene less than an hour later. He had been riding an e-scooter to a friend’s house after visiting a corner shop.
Police posted a video on YouTube of a white Range Rover Evoque believed to have been involved. It was found burnt out three miles away in Ascott Avenue, Ealing, 30 minutes after the shooting.
Alex had been due to start a university course in computer science. At his funeral, Khafi, a Met Police officer, urged the public not to dismiss her brother as ‘just another Black boy who’s been shot’.
Although nine arrests were made, no one was ever charged over Alex’s death.
“I had three brothers, but now I only have two,” Khafi said. “Sometimes I will see something in a shop and think ‘That would look nice on Alexander’, and then it hits me over again.
“How can we live in a society where someone goes to the shop to buy sweets and their life is taken? I would say to the people that did this, don’t let something like this rest on your conscience. Come forward. Speak.
“You will not get away with this. We cannot rest. You will not get away with it. For the love of God, please talk."
Investigation
A 20-strong team of officers have been investigating the case, but more information is still needed from the community.
Det Insp Rebecca Woodsford said: “Our determination to achieve justice for Alexander and his family is undiminished. This £20,000 reward from the independent charity Crimestoppers could go some way to help us achieve that.
"Over time, people change and allegiances change. Those who know something that could help us may now feel like they want to talk to us, and my officers are ready to listen.
"If you’re reading this and you know anything – anything at all – please come forward. It is not too late to do the right thing. Alexander did not deserve this and nor does his family. Nothing will ever heal the pain of losing him, but you can help bring them some small comfort by helping us catch those responsible."
Know something?
Anyone with information, video or images that could assist put Alex’s killers behind bars are asked to call 101 and give the reference: CAD 4830/07JUN23.
Or you can call Crimestoppers – 100% anonymously – on 0800 555 111 or give information anonymously online.
Crimestoppers is an independent charity and is not part of the Met Police.
