The MPS is offering a substantial reward of up to £20,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of the person responsible for the murder of James Andre Smartt-Ford on 3 February 2007.
Three years ago, at approx. 22:55hrs on 3 February 2007, officers responded to reports of a shooting at Streatham Ice Rink, Streatham High Road SW16.
James Andre Smartt-Ford [20.11.89 - 17 ys] of southwest London was taken to St George’sHospital where he was pronounced dead at midnight.
Detectives from Trident continue to investigate, but as yet no one has been charged in connection with Andre’s murder.
Officers will also be handing out leaflets on local estates and in the vicinity of the Ice Rink in the hope that this may jog someone’s memory.
On the night of the murder, the rink was holding a ‘disco’ event attended by more than 300 people, the majority aged in their mid to late-teens. There were no other injuries.
Shortly before 23:00hrs Andre, or ‘Dre’ as he was known to his family and friends, was in the area at the bottom of the stairs leading onto the ice, when he was approached by a black youth wearing dark clothing.
It is at this point that two shots were fired at him.
Andre managed to stagger a few metres onto the ice, before collapsing.
A post-mortem gave cause of death as given as gunshot wounds.
Detective Chief Inspector Gordon Allison, from the Trident team investigating Andre’s murder, said: “Three years have now passed since Andre was brutally murdered in front of a significant number of witnesses. We want to hear from anyone who may remember something from that night and ask that those who may not have spoken to us before to come forward and help us bring the murderer to justice.
“We believe there are those who have information key to this investigation. These witnesses have the power to bring an end to this and to take dangerous people off the street who cause harm to their community. We remain determined to solve this murder and bring some resolution for Andre and his family.”
Trident are appealing for anyone who may have information, or who was at the event, to call the incident room on 020 8247 4554; if you wish to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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