The mother of a 14-year-old boy shot in the head outside a playground has urged people not to fear his killers a year after his tragic death.
Keisha McLeod’s son Corey Junior Davis – nicknamed CJ – died a day after he was shot at close range with a shotgun in Moore Walk, Forest Gate, on September 4 last year.
In spite of public appeals a “wall of silence” continues to hamper the Met’s hunt for the person or people who took his life.
Ms McLeod, speaking on the anniversary of Corey’s death about her fearless fight for justice, told the Recorder: “I can’t feel afraid. Afraid of what? It blows my mind to think that I’m supposed to be scared when they have taken my child.”
Commenting on his killer, she added: “My fear is non-existent when it comes to them. I don’t know who this person is. This person is a coward. A part of me is gone.”
To the community she said: “We’ve got to stop fearing.”
She explained how she had battled to stop gang members grooming her “vulnerable” son before it was too late.
But Corey – staying with his grandad at the time of his death – was shot up to 100 times from behind after getting caught in the middle of a suspected turf war between rival gangs.
Since the death, Ms McLeod, 40, said a gang had taunted her claiming to be her son’s killers in a Drill rap music video posted online.
“That song hurts my heart. That calibre of people needs to come off the streets,” she said.
On the year since Corey’s death, a tearful Ms McLeod described every day as a day without her son.
“As a mother when you wake up your instinct is what do you do for your children or child. That’s been the first thing I need to get used to.
“I wasn’t ready to stop loving my son. As much as I’m loving him wholeheartedly, I can’t actually physically put my hands on him anymore and watch him turn into the man that he was supposed to.
“This year has been about understanding how to come to terms with that.”
Hundreds of mourners attended Corey’s funeral in Lewisham where his mum grew up. But the impact of his untimely death goes on.
“Everyday I wake up grief is upon me,” Ms McLeod said.
She explained how finding her son’s killers was one of the ways she manages her grief.
The police hope a £20,000 reward will help.
Ms McLeod said: “Community information is vital to catch Corey’s killers and take them off the streets. Someone around here knows who did this, someone could speak to the police and help catch those responsible, but for whatever reason, we have found a wall of silence which has so far been impenetrable.
“But I know that can change.
“Perhaps you are reading this right now and you know who killed my son. I want you to place yourself in my shoes.
“Imagine being at home and the police coming to your door to tell you your teenage son had been shot. Can you imagine the pain?”
Det Ch Insp Dave Whellams – leading the investigation – said detectives were committed to finding Corey’s killers.
He confirmed a 20-year-old man was arrested on June 6 and released under investigation. A second man was interviewed but not arrested.
A stolen metallic grey 2011 Range Rover Sport HSE TDV6 with cloned number plates was caught on CCTV on Wyatt Road near Upton Lane, Forest Gate, just before Corey was killed. It was seen passing a W19 bus after the shooting at 3.15pm driving erratically on Romford Road towards the A406.
Officers released the car’s unique “fingerprint” ID number – SALLSAAG3BA292779 – and engine number – 0534374306DT – in a bid to find it.
He urged anyone with information to come forward.
Call 020 8345 3775 or 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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