Detectives say information about a car stolen in Essex could be key to identifying the gunman who shot and killed a 17-year-old boy three years ago.
Rhyhiem Ainsworth Barton was murdered in a shootout on the evening of May 5, 2018.
In the weeks that followed, two people were arrested and detectives did an extensive investigation. Three years later, his killer is still at large.
It is believed that Rhyhiem was standing with a group of friends on the corner of John Ruskin Street and Camberwell New Road in Kennington when he was shot.
Detectives believe a gray BMW Series 2 Gran Tourer with the registration WT17 CFK that was on CCTV at the time of the shooting is crucial in identifying those responsible.
They say they believe it is this vehicle that the suspects used to make their way to and from the area.
The license plates on the vehicle at the time of the murder were not real. The real registry should have been BP17 YVV.
The car was stolen during an overnight break-in in Essex on December 23, 2017 and its license plates were later changed.
The officers are keen to hear from anyone who remembers seeing the vehicle in London either in its true identity or in connection with the murder at any time after December 24, 2017.
Continue reading:
They say any information about where it was kept, who drove it, or who was carried in it could prove important.
The police are offering a reward of £ 20,000 for any information – whether on the car or any other aspect of the case – that leads to the successful arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Rhyhiem’s murder.
- Rhyhiem was killed by shooting while driving
Detective Inspector Jo Sidaway of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command said, “Rhyhiem’s murder shocked and angered people across London. We are determined to identify those responsible and bring them to justice, no matter how long it takes.
“We are confident that this gray BMW Series 2 Gran Tourer was used by the shooter. We know it was stolen from Essex and that it was used on false plates until the time Rhyhiem was murdered. I appeal to the public to help us identify who is using this vehicle and where it is being kept.
“Did you see that it is parked on your street? Did you notice it was left in a parking lot? Did you see someone put it in a garage? Every little piece of information could make all the difference.
“I would also like to speak to Rhyhiem’s friends. I’m sure some of you will know who pulled the trigger. I also know that some of you may not be the most positive about the police and feel that the disclosure of information is a betrayal or a sign of weakness. Nothing is further from the truth.
“Please give us the information to judge the people who killed your friend. We understand this takes tremendous courage and we are here to assist you in any way we can. We are waiting for your call. ”
Information can be passed directly to detectives by calling the incident room on 0208 721 4005.
It can also be made available anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
