Family pay tribute to Tommy Boom as two charged over his murder

Two men have been charged by Northamptonshire Police over the fatal stabbing in Northampton

Author: Trevor ThomasPublished 23rd Jul 2024

The grieving family of Northampton man Tommy Boom have issued a moving tribute to him, describing him as a “loveable” character with a “heart of gold”.

Tommy died in Millers Meadow – known locally as Semilong Park – shortly after midnight on Thursday, July 18, after suffering stab wounds.

His family have issued a tribute to the much-loved 30-year-old old who was a father of one, a precious son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, grandson, and nephew.

This statement and new image of Tommy have been released via Northamptonshire Police:

“We moved to Northampton from East London when Tommy was about 10, and although he was painfully shy as a youngster, he loved the outdoors and his social life. As a teenager he’d complain that school got in the way of his social life.

“Tommy was such a loveable character with a heart of gold and had lots of friends. He loved his daughter so much. It breaks our hearts that they will not have that chance to create a lifetime of memories together.

“We are a close family, and both (mum and dad) come from big families, who played a huge part in his life, especially when we were still living in Canning Town. Having to tell them that he’d been killed, ripped our world apart.

“We saw a different side of Tommy, one which he rarely showed to others. He was kind and could be quite sensitive, but he loved life and socialising. He had the most beautiful smile - it would always light up the room.

“Fitness was an absolute passion of his along with going to the gym, but he was also a foodie – loved to cook, looking for new recipes and of, course, eating! He could eat a three-course meal but still have room for a midnight snack.

“As a family we still feel numb about what has happened, it just doesn’t feel real that he is dead. It has just absolutely destroyed us.

“Reading all the tributes on social media along with the cards and flowers at Semilong Park has provided some source of comfort. It’s been nice to see how loved he was by other people and how he will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.”

Two men, Daniel Larman, aged 21, and Kieran Okocha-Sleight, also aged 21, both of Woodside Way, are charged with Tommy’s murder. Larman is also charged with one count of possession of a bladed article.

Both are due before Northampton Magistrates’ Court today Tuesday, July 23.

A 21-year-old Birmingham man arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and perverting the course of justice has been released on bail as enquiries continue.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Johnny Campbell said: “I would once again like to thank the local community for their support in getting our investigation to this point. This sentiment is echoed by Tommy’s family who are taking comfort in people’s willingness to help, and our thoughts remain with them in their grief.

“Our work does not stop here, and I continue to encourage anyone with information which could assist our investigation to get in touch. You can use our online portal anonymously – what matters is what you know, not who you are.”

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