Justin Henry: Body found in boot of car in Purley in murder investigation into missing man

Detectives investigating the disappearance of Justin Henry have discovered a body in the boot of a car.

The 34-year-old was reported missing on October 16 and a murder investigation has since been launched.

A red Nissan Almera was found on the evening of Monday November 6, parked near Nicholas Court in Dale Road, Purley.

A post-mortem examination took place on Thursday. No formal cause of death was established and further tests will be carried out.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Webb said: “Due to the need to preserve forensic evidence, officers conducted a careful and methodical examination of the scene. However, on Tuesday, we confirmed that a body was in the car and we spoke to Justin’s family later that day. We are waiting to formally confirm the identity of the body.

“My heart goes out to his family who have suffered weeks of anxiously waiting for news. Justin’s family are understandably very upset and we would ask media to respect their privacy at this very difficult time.

“While we have charged two people with Justin’s murder, we would still like anyone who has any information of the red Nissan’s movements in the days following Justin’s disappearance to call police - we still need and ask for the public’s help.”

Missing man Justin Henry

Mr Henry, known to have links with the Forest Hill area, was reported missing to police on October 16.

He was last seen in person on the evening of Sunday October 15 at his partner’s address in Brixton. At around 9.30pm that night he was seen on CCTV buying food at a McDonald’s drive-thru restaurant on London Road in Croydon.

Police believe he drove from that restaurant to nearby Waddon New Road where his vehicle, a silver Mercedes E Class, remained for approximately two-and-a-half hours.

The Met says it is unclear who was driving the vehicle when it arrived at Kingswood Drive shortly before 1am the next day, due to indistinct CCTV images, but Mr Henry’s family state that it was not him.

Officers have conducted forensic examinations of an address in Croydon and the car, as well as CCTV and phone inquiries.

Charges

Louis Benjamin, 29, of Waddon New Road, Croydon, has been charged with one count of murder.

Jamal Ali-Ricards, 28, of Thornton Heath, Surrey, has been charged with one count of murder.

Both will appear at the Old Bailey on January 15.

A 27-year-old woman was arrested on October 18 on suspicion of kidnapping. She has since been bailed pending further enquiries to a date in mid-January 2024.

Witness appeal

Any witnesses or anyone with any information can call police on 101 or contact via X @MetCC. Quote Operation Ashgulf or CAD1523/02NOV. The Met Police has an online evidence portal.

Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on its website.