£20,000 reward on third anniversary of 'mistaken identity' shooting

The family of an aspiring computer scientist fatally shot in a suspected case of mistaken identity in Shepherds Bush have made an emotional plea for information on the third anniversary of his murder.

A £20,000 Crimestoppers reward is available for anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of Alexander Kareem’s killers.

He was only 20 years old when he was gunned down on Askew Road in Shepherds Bush, in the early hours of Monday, 8 June 2020.

He’d popped into an off-licence and was on his way to a friend’s house on his e-scooter when he was shot and left for dead, in what police believe is likely to be a case of mistaken identity.

“People say ‘this was three years ago’ but for us this is every day; we are living with this every day."

Alexander’s sister, Khafi, and brother, Kabir, spoke at New Scotland Yard ahead of the anniversary.

Khafi said: “People say ‘this was three years ago’ but for us this is every day; we are living with this every day.

“I had three brothers, now I only have two. Sometimes I will see something in a shop and think ‘that would look nice on Alexander’, and then it hits me over again.

“How can we live in a society where someone goes to the shop to buy sweets and their life is taken?

“I would say to the people that did this, don’t let something like this rest on your conscience. Come forward. Speak.

“You will not get away with this. We cannot rest. You will not get away with it.”

Urging people to come forward with information, Kabir said: “It’s about protecting our people and our communities. Don’t protect them Alexander’s killers.

"If you know something - talk. For the love of God please talk, just speak. If you did this you are not going to get away with it."

White Range Rover found burnt out

Police were called at around 00:40hrs to reports of man suffering gunshot injuries. Officers rushed to the scene, along with the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance, where they found Alexander with catastrophic injuries.

Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene around 45 minutes later.

On the night of Alexander’s murder, it is believed the assailants drove past him on Askew Road in a white Range Rover and shot him in a case of mistaken identity. The Range Rover was found burnt out just 25 minutes later three miles away on Ascott Avenue.

An investigation by the Met’s Specialist Crime Command has seen more than 20 officers involved and hours of CCTV poured over.

They are still keen to hear from anyone with information or who may have been in the area at the time.

Detective Inspector Rebecca Woodsford, Specialist Crime, said: "Three years have now passed but our determination to achieve justice for Alexander and his family is undiminished.

"This £20,000 reward from the independent charity Crimestoppers could go some way to help us achieve that.

"Over time people change and allegiances change. Those who know something that could help us may now feel like they want to talk to us, and my officers are ready to listen.

"If you’re reading this and you know anything – anything at all – please come forward. It is not too late to do the right thing. You may think the information you hold is small or insignificant – tell us anyway. It could be the missing piece of a much bigger puzzle. Alexander did not deserve this and nor does his family. Nothing will ever heal the pain of losing him, but you can help bring them some small comfort by helping us catch those responsible."

Arrests - but no further action

Nine people who had been arrested in connection with the investigation have been released without further action.

Any witnesses or those with information, video or images that could assist police are asked to call 101 ref CAD 4830/07JUN23

Crimestoppers never ask your name and they cannot trace your call, your IP address or the device you use. Fill in their quick online form or call 0800 555 111.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.