The family of a talented DJ murdered five years ago have made an emotional appeal in a bid to trace his killer.
Carl Beatson Asiedu, died in the street after being stabbed in the heart in the early hours of August 1, 2009, after he performed a set at the Club Life nightclub in Vauxhall.
Detectives are keen to trace Jeffrey Okafor who they believe is responsible for killing 19-year-old Mr Asiedu, the Metropolitan Police said.
It is believed Okafor fled to Nigeria after his death and police are offering a reward of £10,000 for information leading to his arrest.
Detectives are also launching a Facebook appeal in the hope that someone is able to provide information on Okafor’s whereabouts, police said.
He was a known Facebook user before the murder and officers believe that he is still using this or other social media as a means of communicating with friends and family back in the UK.
Police believe Okafor is hiding in Nigeria having fled the UK on August 17, 2009.
He was last captured on CCTV boarding an Air France flight at Heathrow Airport using his brother’s passport, police said.
Mr Asiedu, who performed under the name of DJ Charmz, was well known on the clubbing scene.
The victim’s father John Asiedu has spoken of his heartache.
“Five years have passed since Carl was murdered,” he said.
“I still feel the pain and get a lump in my throat whenever his tragic death crosses my mind, or when I hear that someone has been stabbed to death.
“Part of me died with him and I have to carry on living with what is left of me. Carl’s tragic death has changed my view of life, people, the justice system and the world.”
Detective Inspector Alison Hepworth of the Homicide and Major Crime Command (HMCC) said: “Over the years, a number of people have stood trial and have been convicted for their involvement in Carl’s death but there has always been one outstanding individual whom we sought to trace whom we believe delivered the fatal stab wound. That person is Jeffrey Okafor.”
She added: “We know there are people in the UK supporting him in his new life in Nigeria and are shielding him from facing justice.
“I would appeal to those people – his friends or family – if you have in some way helped to aid his escape, now is your opportunity to do the right thing and tell us where he is.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the incident room on 0208 721 4005. A dedicated email address – jeffreyokaforwanted@met.police.uk - has been set up for those with information to provide details via email.
•Source (except headline): London Evening Standard. Photo shows alleged runaway murderer Jeffrey Okafor captured on CCTV at Heathrow Airport.
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