The heartbroken family of a “devoted” father shot dead outside a silent disco have spoken of their despair after he was “ripped away” from his children.
London Ambulance Service paramedics and Met Police officers attended the scene shortly after 5am, but the force said the father-of-three was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mr Mitchell’s family said he had been due to start a job as a Royal Mail lorry driver on the Monday after he was killed.
“Leroy was a beautiful soul, hard-working, with a zest for life,” they said in a statement.
“He cherished his family and friends. He was loved by so many people, and his death will be felt for a long time to come.
“Leroy was a hard-working family man and devoted father of three children.
“He had a big family and a big heart, always looked after his mum and always tried to bring the family together.”
They added: “Leroy touched the hearts of everyone he met. Leroy had such a bright future ahead, seeing his children grow and blossom into strong, positive independent adults.
“It’s heart-wrenchingly difficult as a family to think this has been ripped away from us all. He will be missed terribly.”
Detectives investigating the killing are continuing to appeal for anyone who was at a house party in the Birdhurst Road area on Saturday morning, or who saw Mr Mitchell on the night of October 1, to get in touch.
Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin said: “We’re just over a week on from Leroy’s murder now and our investigation is gathering pace.
“We’re following a number of leads and inquiries but we need the public’s help to bring justice to Leroy’s family.
“Officers would like to speak to anyone who was at that party, which is believed to be a silent disco. Even if you do not think you saw or heard anything significant, please contact police if you were there.
“Leroy was a popular local man and his family and friends have been left absolutely devastated by his death.
“I also want to appeal for any witnesses, anyone with information or anyone who may have relevant dashcam or other footage to please get in touch.”
There have been no arrests made so far.
People are asked to call the incident room on 020 8785 8244 to provide information, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
