The mother of a teenager stabbed to death in Forest Gate has made an emotional plea for those witholding information which could solve the murder to break their silence.
As friends of Champion Ganda gathered at his grave to lay flowers on what would have been his 18th birthday, his mother Peguy Katorenewed made her appeal imploring those who know the names of the killers to: "Open your mouths and talk."
After saying prayers over a small wooden cross, Peguy turned to the scores who had joined her to pay their respects.
"You have to open your mouths and help," she said, drying her eyes. "Champion's dead and gone – help him.
"Do you think if you had died Champion would be quiet?
"You know who they are. Talk to the police. Don't be quiet – that's not fair. That's not love.
"Love is helping Champion's family and helping [his killers] to go to jail so my son can be in peace."
Peguy, who lives in Harold Hill, continued: "Champion isn't going to be in peace while you're quiet – and your life isn't going to be in peace."
The aspiring rapper, who performed under the name Chrome and had attended college in Stratford, was stabbed to death in Sandringham Road in broad daylight on May 9.
Five people were subsequently arrested but no one was charged.
Peguy's impassioned plea was a departure in mood for what had been a calm gathering.
As mourners headed to the plot at City of London Crematorium, Manor Park, where Champion is buried, his classmates remembered their friend.
"You couldn't be sad around him," said Shayden Watts, 17. "In a silence he would just do something crazy. He was unique."
Pamela Da Silva, 17, added: "It was just so unreal when I heard he was dead. I didn't believe it."
She added: "I haven't even deleted his number from my phone."
Tyrone Bell, who went to Kingsford School in Beckton with Champion, said: "If people know [who killed him] they should come forward.
"I'm upset and I just miss him."
Call the incident room on 020 8345 3775, or 0800 555 111 and speak in confidence to Crimestoppers.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here