Croydon murder: Young father Akeem Moore 'executed' by gunman at point blank range

Shot dead: Akeem Moore
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Matt Watts10 October 2016
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A young father was executed at point-blank range by a gunman on the front lawn of a friend’s house.

Aspiring rapper Akeem Moore, 22, was shot in the head as he chatted with pals in Eastney Road, Croydon, at 11.25pm on Friday.

Neighbours in the modern estate of family homes described hearing two shots at about 11.25pm which they at first thought were fireworks before Mr Moore’s friends cried out for help.

Mr Moore, who had three children under four years old, was lying on a grass verge in a secluded area of the estate.

A friend was cradling his head in his arms as he bled from a gunshot wound to his temple. The gunman fled the area and remains on the run.

Police and paramedics rushed to the scene but despite efforts to save the young musician he was pronounced dead at the scene.

His family today paid tribute to “an amazing young man” as they asked for witnesses to come forward.

Father-of-three: Akeem Moore was shot dead in Croydon

A family friend told the Standard: “His family are devastated. His mother has lost her amazing son and we are all just in complete shock.

“We can’t believe this has happened. His family just want to know why? If anyone knows a reason why this would happen they must come forward. We must get justice.”

His devastated family laid flowers and lit candles at a shrine where dozens of floral tributes have been laid yards from where he was killed.

His mother Lilian Hinchley-Nelson wrote on Facebook: “Today I mourn the death of my eldest son. May God give myself and my family the strength and comfort at this time.

“I love you my baby prince Akeem, may your soul rest in sweet perfect peace. We will miss you dearly especially your three children.”

'Always loved': Friends and family paid tribute to Akeem Moore

The former pupil of St Mary’s Catholic High School was described by friends as a talented footballer and musician.

He performed under the name Tuggzy and had hoped to make it in the music business after completing a music course at Croydon College.

His cousin Camille Hinchley told how “my whole life crashed in front of me” when she heard of his death.

On Facebook she said: “Every time the thought of not ever seeing you pains my heart so much. You were always loved no matter.

“It’s taken three phone calls to actually confirm that you were really gone. Pain and rage attacked me in full blow because someone had to motivate to remove you from all our lives, from your family, friends and three beautiful children.”

A friend told the Standard: “He was just a great guy, a talented musician and sportsman who was really popular around the area. We are all in shock. We don’t know why anyone would want to do this to him.”

A neighbour living close to the scene said: “It was completely silent. There wasn’t a row or anything we could hear.

“When I heard the bangs at first I thought it was kids setting off fireworks. But then I heard a friend of his shout out ‘my friend’s been shot in the head, where’s the ambulance? Then there were police and paramedics everywhere.”

Another neighbour said: “The shots woke me and I rushed down. There was the guy on the grass by the path and he’d been shot in the temple. I think his friends thought he was going to be ok.

“The police arrived and were going to use a defibrillator but I think there was no heartbeat. They tried to do chest compressions but I think he had been killed instantly. It was at point-blank range, like an execution.”

The Met police have launched a murder investigation and the Homicide and Major Crime Command are appealing for witnesses. There have been no arrests.

Detective Chief Inspector Lee Watling, who is leading the investigation, said: “I need to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Eastney Road area late on Friday night.

“I would urge any witnesses, or anyone with information that may assist the investigation, to call police and tell us what they saw or what they know.”

Call the incident room on 020 8721 4205 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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