Detectives investigating the murder of 18-year-old Alex Ajanaku in Waltham Forest continue to appeal for information as they officer a substantial reward.
Up to £20,000 is being offered by the Met for information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of the person(s) responsible for Alex’s murder.
Alex, who was from south London, was fatally shot on the Beaumont Estate in Leyton, E10 at about 1.25am on Wednesday, 1 September 2021.
Detectives believe Alex had been at an unlicensed music event on the Beaumont Estate on the evening of Tuesday, 31 August. The majority of people had left the area by the time of the incident, but a small group remained and were sitting on a bench when shots were fired.
The vehicle that is believed to have been used to commit the murder was a black Kia Sportage which had been stolen from Chingford shortly before midnight on Monday, 16 August 2021.
On 3 September 2021, it was found abandoned and fire damaged in Walthamstow, E17.
Detectives have released CCTV footage (below) of the Kia in Leyton near the Beaumont Estate shortly before Alex was killed.
Detective Sergeant Fenton Davis, of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “We are releasing a short clip of the Sportage and are appealing for information about where it was in the days leading up to, and immediately following, the murder. We believe the car has links to Leyton, Walthamstow and Upper Clapton.
“Alex was just 18 when he was murdered. His life was brutally ended before it had really begun, leaving his family devastated and desperate for answers.
“There are people out there who know who was responsible for Alex’s death and also know important information about the use and subsequent damage to the stolen Kia. I urge those people to come forward and provide the information to police.”
A 43 year old man was arrested on Thursday, 2 September 2001 on suspicion of murder. He was subsequently released on bail and following police enquiries was released with no further action to be taken against him.
Anyone with information should call the incident room directly on 020 8345 3775 or the general police non-emergency number 101. They can also tweet @MetCC.
To remain 100 per cent anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
In an emergency always dial 999.
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