Aderahman Boumzough, 25, has been convicted of murdering 15-year-old Rene Graham in a children's play area of a London park and attempting to shoot a second man moments later. The Metropolitan Police released shocking footage showing Boumzough pulling a gun on his second victim before the weapon jammed, causing him to flee.
The murder of Rene Graham
On Sunday, 21 July 2024, at around 7:20pm, Boumzough approached the children's play area of Emslie Horniman's Pleasance Park in Ladbroke Grove, West London, and fired a single shot at Rene Graham, 15. The teenager suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and died at the scene. A family music festival was taking place in the park in the lead-up to the Notting Hill Carnival.
Boumzough left the park and chased a second man, attempting to shoot him on the street. However, the gun jammed, and he fled the scene. A murder investigation was launched immediately.
Investigation and arrest
Detectives reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV footage to trace Boumzough's movements before and after the shooting. He was identified as the suspect and arrested on Tuesday, 2 September 2024. A search of his phone uncovered a video in which Boumzough rapped, appearing to reference the firearm malfunction: “don’t you hate it when your ting jams? I was prepared to take soul, but Allah had a different plan.”
Following a two-week trial at Woolwich Crown Court, Boumzough was found guilty of murder and attempted murder. He faces life in jail when sentenced on Friday, 3 July.
Family's grief and community response
Rene's mother, Janay John-Francois, described her devastation: “It's broken, shattered my life... It's killing me on the inside.” She called her son a “vibrant” teenager with the “biggest heart.” While Boumzough remained at large, she expressed anger over the lack of progress, telling Sky News: “I'm fuming because right now it seems I'm not going to get justice for my son.” She questioned how the crime could go unsolved despite numerous witnesses: “How does that happen? In broad daylight with over a thousand people in that small park?... it's beyond me.”
Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell, who led the investigation, thanked the small number of community members who came forward. She said: “Following Rene’s senseless murder, we made a direct plea to both the Ladbroke Grove community and those who had attended the event where he lost his life. A year on, we renewed that appeal, urging anyone with information to come forward and help us secure justice for Rene’s family.”
She added: “While only a small number of people came forward, I would like to thank those individuals who provided statements and supported the investigation, including attending court, who refused to allow a dangerous individual such as Boumzough to live amongst them.”
Police dedication leads to conviction
DCI Foxwell praised the investigation team: “This conviction is the result of relentless work by officers who painstakingly reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV footage to trace the gunman’s movements before and after the shooting.” She concluded: “Rene’s murder was a tragic act of violence carried out at a popular family-friendly community event. Despite a large number of people being present, we faced significant challenges in obtaining crucial information in the early stages. Ultimately it took a small amount of information from members of the public, combined with the diligence and determination of our investigation team, to bring Boumzough to justice. My thoughts continue to remain with Rene’s family and friends. I hope today’s conviction provides them with a form of closure.”
