London teen murders 2023: Names and faces of every young person killed in the capital this year

A 16-year-old boy stabbed to death on New Year’s Eve was the final teenager of 2023 to lose their life in violent circumstances in London.

Detectives have named the boy who died in Camden as Harry Pitman. The 16-year-old was stabbed on Primrose Hill at around 11.40pm on Sunday December 31 2023.

2021 was the worst year for teenage killings in London on record, with 30 young victims losing their lives. In 2022, this number was halved, with 14 teenage deaths recorded.

In 2023 the number of teenagers losing their lives to violence increased again, with a total of 22 recorded, most of whom were stabbed to death. One of the teenagers was killed as a result of arson in a flat fire while two teenage victims were fatally shot. Another teenager’s life ended in a road incident involving a moped and a car.

According to a 2021 report, nearly half of London’s 300 youth centres have closed down and last year analysis by YMCA England found that Britain has cut money for youth services by almost £1bn in the last decade.

City Hall says it has invested in several local partnership programmes and is supporting dedicated neighbourhood police officers to help tackle youth violence but teenage violence continues to be a colossal issue in London.

These are the names and faces of every young person killed in the capital in 2023.

Tiffany Regis, 15

Tiffany Regis, aged 15, died after a blaze ripped through the block of flats she lived in in Beckton, Newham. The cause of death was smoke inhalation.

The fire broke out in the late afternoon on April 6, with the Met Police called at around 5.30pm.

A post-mortem examination was held and formal identification took place at East Ham Mortuary on April 8. Police said the identification was not conclusive, but they believe that Tiffany Regis died in the fire.

The fire is being treated as arson and an investigation was launched. A 16-year-old male was arrested on April 6 on suspicion of murder. He was released on bail, pending further enquiries.

Chima Osuji, 17

Chima Osuji, 17, was stabbed to death near a primary school in north-east London on April 10.

Police were called to Longshaw Road in Chingford, at about 9.20pm on Easter Monday to reports of a stabbing.

Despite the efforts of members of the public and emergency services, who provided first aid, Chima died at the scene.

Three teenage boys were arrested. Two 16-year-old boys were charged with murder on April 14.

Tyler McDermott, 17

Tyler McDermott, 17, was found shot in Norman Road, Tottenham, Haringey, at around 4.20am on April 13.

He was taken to hospital but died of his injuries on the afternoon of April 14.

Six men were charged with murder between April 16 and 23: Tyrese Barnett, 19, of no fixed address; Leo Reid, 19, of Tulse Hill; Tyrese Matthews, 20, of Black Prince Road; Damaris McBeth, 19, of Lucern Close, Hammond Street, Cheshunt; Rhys Antwi, 19, of Prentis Road; and Alfred Coker, 20, of Bowen Drive.

Renell Charles, 16

Renell Charles, 16, a pupil at Kelmscott School in Walthamstow was stabbed in Markhouse Road.

The attack happened at around 4.09pm on May 5 as he was leaving school. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 4.39pm.

A 16-year-old boy was charged with his murder.

Headteacher Sam Jones said the attack marked the "darkest of days" for the school community.

"A Kelmscott student was tragically killed in a senseless knife attack," he said. "Kelmscott is a large and tight-knit family and this loss will be felt for a long time to come. I know we will come together as a community and support one another through this."

Wazabakana Elanda Jordan Kukabu, 18

Wazabakana Elanda Jordan Kukabu, 18, known as “Jordan” was stabbed to death in Dagenham on May 5.

Police were called at 11.47pm on Friday to reports of men armed with machetes near to Dagenham Heathway tube station. They found Jordan suffering from stab injuries. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he sadly died at the scene.

A post-mortem examination was held on Sunday May 7 and gave a cause of death as a single stab wound to the chest.

A second man, aged 20, was taken to hospital with a stab injury. His condition was assessed as not life threatening.

A 20-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of murder, was released with no further action. But the same man was also arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and released on bail.

Khaled Saleh, 17

Khaled Saleh, 17, was found stabbed in Paddington Green, Paddington, City of Westminster, at 1.41pm on June 19. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 2.15pm by emergency services.

A 16-year-old boy was charged with his murder. Two other teenage boys were arrested on suspicion of murder.

Victor Lee, 17

Victor Lee, 17, was found stabbed in the canal by Scrubs Lane, Ladbroke Grove, at around 5.45pm on June 25.

He was pulled from the water but was pronounced dead at the scene at 6.09pm. A postmortem confirmed the cause of death was stab wounds.

Three boys aged 14, 15 and 17 were charged with murder and robbery.

Leonardo Reid, 15

Leonardo Reid, 15, was one of three people stabbed in Archway, Islington, at around 11.33pm on June 29. The teenager was pronounced dead at the scene just after midnight.

A 23-year-old man was taken to hospital but later died of his injuries.

A third victim, believed to be aged 28, was also taken to hospital. His condition was not thought to be life threatening.

Abel Chunda, 27, of Highgate Hill, Islington, was charged with two counts of murder and one of attempted murder. He was also charged with possessing an offensive weapon.

A 17-year-old boy who was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder was released on bail.

A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Wednesday July 5.

Andre Salmon, 18

Andre Salmon, 18, was shot while riding a moped in Stamford Road, Tottenham, Haringey, at around 5pm on July 3. He continued on the moped and turned left onto Constable Crescent before colliding with a parked car. He collapsed and was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said he was shot by a man riding an e-scooter

The suspect was described as Black and aged in his late teens or early twenties. No arrests have been made at this time.

Rahaan Ahmed Amin, 16

Rahaan Ahmed Amin, 16, was stabbed in West Ham Park, Newham, at around 5.30pm on July 9.

He died in hospital on July 10 and a postmortem examination found the cause of death was a stab wound to the heart. A 16-year-old boy was charged with murder on July 13. Two other teenagers remain under investigation.

Claudyo Jauad Lafayette, 17

Claudyo Jauad Lafayette, 17, was stabbed during a fight in Granville Road, Kilburn/North Maida Vale, Brent, at around 11.22pm on July 14. He died at the scene and a postmortem gave the cause of death as a stab wound to the abdomen. A second 17-year-old boy was also injured.

A woman, aged in her early 20s, received hospital treatment for an injury to her hand and has since been discharged. Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command are investigating.

Three 18-year-old men were arrested and released on bail.

Det Ch Insp Wayne Jolley, who is leading the investigation, said: “Although we have arrested three people in connection with this murder, I am certain that there is more information that will help our investigation. I urge anyone who is yet to come forward to please speak with us.

“A birthday party has ended in tragedy, and a family has been left mourning the loss of a young man who had his whole life ahead of him. Did you see or hear anything? Did you film the incident on your phone? Call us and let us know what happened.”

Stefan Valentine Balaban, 17

Stefan Valentine Balaban, 17, was stabbed in Whitchurch Lane, Edgware, Harrow, at around 1.05am on July 28. He died at the scene.

DCI Neil John said: “A significant amount of work is taking place to identify any suspect and I am asking anyone who was in the area at the time the incident occurred to contact us immediately.”

Yusuf Mohamoud, 18

Yusuf Mohamoud, 18, was stabbed in Regents Park Road, Finchley, Barnet, near the junction with Lichfield Road, at around 9.40pm on August 7.

He collapsed after running to a supermarket over the road and was pronounced dead at the scene.

DCI Neil Rawlinson said: “Anyone who was in the area between 9pm and 10pm on August 7, who may have seen something that could help our investigation is asked to contact police.”

A 15-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Anis Omar Zen, 19

Anis Omar Zen, 19, was stabbed in Masefield Avenue, Stanmore, Harrow, at around 4.50pm on September 4. He died at the scene a short time later.

Saeed Ibrahim, 18, of Stanmore, was arrested on September 8 and charged with murder the following day.

Max Moy Wheatley, 19

Max Moy Wheatley, 19, was stabbed in Jubilee Park near Tent Peg Lane, Petts Wood, Bromley, at around 2.30pm on September 20.

Max, who lived in Orpington, died at the scene and a postmortem examination recorded the cause of death as a stab wound to the heart. No arrests have been made.

Det Ch Insp Matthew Webb said: “I am urging anyone who witnessed this attack, or who saw someone running away from the park, to please come forward and contact my team. Although the stabbing took place away from local roads, I’m certain that there are people who would have noticed something that seemed out of place or unusual, or someone behaving in a suspicious way.”

Elianne Andam, 15

Elianne Andam, 15, was stabbed as she made her way to school in Croydon at around 8.30am on 27 September. She was pronounced dead at the scene near a bus stop on Wellesley Road at 9.21am.

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with her murder. He has been charged with murder and possession of a knife.

A spokesperson for Elianne’s family said: “Our hearts are broken by the senseless death of our daughter. Elianne was the light of our lives. She was bright and funny, with many friends who all adored her.

“She was only 15, and had her whole life ahead of her, with hopes and dreams for the future. All those dreams have now been shattered. Our lives have fallen apart, along with that of our wider family."

Taye Faik, 16

Taye Faik, 16 was stabbed to death in Kendal Gardens, Edmonton on October 1. Officers attended along with ambulance colleagues.

DCI Joanna Yorke from the Specialist Crime Command, said: “This is a tragic incident in which another young person has lost their life on the streets of London."

Three people have since been charged with murder: a 16-year-old girl who cannot be named for legal reasons; Josiah James Semper, 18 of Cromie Close, Palmers Green; Bernard Carroll, 20, of Church Street, Edmonton.

Tafari Thompson-Mintah, 16

Tafari Thompson-Mintah, 16 was riding his moped along Sevenoaks Way in St Paul’s Cray, Orpington, when he was involved in a collision at about 3.30pm on Monday October 9.

Despite the efforts of emergency services, he died at the scene.

Three men were charged with his murder: Justin Barton, 31 of Neasden Lane, Wembley; Aaron Conway, 38, from Orpington; and Joseph Barnes, 40, of no fixed abode. Tafari’s family launched a fundraiser to pay for his funeral. In a statement on GoFundMe they said: “We are heart broken by the sudden, tragic and devastating loss of our son, Tafari Mintah. On October 9 my beautiful son, only 16 years old was tragically killed by a hit and run driver in Sevenoaks Way at approximately 3:32pm. Our family and friends are so distraught as Tafari had his whole life ahead of him.”

Mehak Sharma, 19

Mehak Sharma, 19, was found stabbed at a home in Ash Tree Way, Croydon, at around 4.10pm on October 29. The cause of death was a stab wound to the neck. Police believe she was an Indian national who recently arrived in the UK. Sahil Sharma, 23, of Ash Tree Way, Croydon, wascharged with her murder.

Simarjeet Singh Nangpal, 17

Simarjeet Singh Nangpal, 17 was stabbed during a fight in Burket Close, Southall, Hounslow, at around 12.15am on November 15. Police and paramedics attended but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Four men aged 21, 27, 31 and 71, were charged with his murder.

Ilyas Habibi, 17

Ilyas Habibi, 17, was stabbed near Sutton Railway Station in Sutton High Street, Sutton, at around 7.08pm on December 5. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 7.53pm.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Nolan said: “We know that Ilyas arrived at Sutton High Street by train. Minutes after he came out of the station he was involved in an altercation with the suspect who then fled the scene. Ilyas had suffered fatal wounds. It isn’t clear if the suspect was also injured. If you know the suspect, or if you are him, please get in touch.”

Harry Pitman, 16

Harry Pitman, 16, was stabbed on Primrose Hill, Camden, at around 11.40pm on December 31. He was pronounced dead at the scene shortly before midnight. A 16-year-old boy was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder. He has been released on bail pending further enquiries. Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Grogan said: "My thoughts and sympathies are with Harry's family and friends at this difficult time. He was a young man with the rest of his life ahead of him.

"His family are understandably devastated and specially trained officers are supporting them as they come to terms with their loss.

“We know Harry was with a group of friends near the viewing platform on Primrose Hill where they had gathered to celebrate the New Year. It is here where we believe Harry became involved in an altercation with devastating consequences. 

“Primrose Hill was very busy at the time and I believe there are people who witnessed the incident who have not yet spoken to police. It is vital that we build a clear picture of the moments leading up to, and immediately after, Harry’s murder and I need anyone with information about the altercation, or the attack, to contact us immediately."

The Met Police

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan police said: “Each and every homicide is devastating – these victims are not just statistics and not just numbers. They all have families, and they all should have had their lives ahead of them.

“Tackling violence is front and centre of our focus. Officers see first-hand how violent crime destroys the lives of victims and their families. This is exactly what motivates officers to remain dedicated to stopping these crimes from happening in the first place.

“Officers have been deploying into known hotspot locations where violence takes place, using innovative tactics and high visibility patrols to keep communities safe. They have also been focussing on prevention and diversion, to help young people turn away from a life of crime.

“There are also bespoke operations taking place across London, tailored to the local concerns of the community. In response to the high level of teen homicides last year, the Met’s Violent Crime Taskforce launched Operation Denali where officers carry out a range of proactive activity in Croydon, Haringey, Greenwich and Newham – areas identified as having high volumes of serious youth violence.

“We will not stop using all the tactics available to us to keep our young people safe, while also working with partners to target the root causes of these devastating crimes.”

Mayor of London

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m devastated for the families and friends of those who have lost their lives to violence. As both an MP and Mayor, I've met with many bereaved families and communities and have seen first-hand the profound and long-lasting impact of violent crime. Every death is a tragedy and it strengthens my determination to continue leading from the front to build a safer London for everyone. 

 “Due to massive government cuts to policing and youth services, there has been a nationwide increase in violent crime over the last ten years, but thanks to record investment in the police from City Hall and the hard work of London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), the first in the country, the number of homicides in London last year fell to its lowest since 2014. Homicides, gun crime and the number of young people being injured with knives have all fallen in London since 2016.

 “But it’s clear that violent crime remains far too high and there’s much more to do. One life lost to violent crime will always be one too many and I’m determined to continue making progress by being both tough on crime and tough on the complex causes of crime. I will also continue to put pressure on the government to play it’s part in reducing violent crime, which is clearly a national problem that requires action and investment on a national scale on the police and criminal justice system as well as helping to address the underlying causes – like poverty, inequality, social alienation and a lack of opportunities.”