Family of Jesse Lloyd-Smith Appeals for Information Following Fatal Shooting

The sister and godmother of a man who died after being shot in south-east London have issued a public appeal for anyone with details regarding his killing to present themselves. Jesse Lloyd-Smith, aged 20, sustained a gunshot wound in East Surrey Grove, Peckham, just before 17:00 BST on 10 July, and succumbed to his injuries the following day at the hospital. His sister, Chaise Lloyd-Smith, stated that “nobody deserves to die in that kind of way,” while his godmother, Sam Wellsted, urged: “Find it in your heart to get justice for Jesse, for the family, for the community.” This appeal coincides with the charging of three individuals with perverting the course of justice in connection with the shooting. A 17-year-old male had previously been charged with murder. Ms Wellsted expressed that given the opportunity, she would inquire of those responsible for Mr. Lloyd-Smith’s death about their motives. “It feels like such a tragic, traumatic, horrific way to end someone’s life,” she explained. “There’s no reason, there’s nothing that would warrant that kind of action. The impact on everybody after that – Jesse’s gone and everyone’s devastated; there’s no way you can repair that in any shape or form, it’s horrific.” Ms. Lloyd-Smith commented that her brother’s passing deeply affected everyone in the community and those acquainted with him. “Everyone knew Jesse, even if they didn’t know him they knew his face,” she said. “We’ve grown up in this area and we love the area, we love the people in the area and the people in the area know us so I think it’s hard for everyone.” Ms. Lloyd-Smith implored individuals to come forward if they possessed any knowledge about her brother’s death, adding: “Just imagine what it would be like if it was your brother, your friend.” “I know it’s scary but I’d ask them to maybe put themselves in our shoes… as a sister, or as a godmum, as a friend.” The Met Police confirmed that a 17-year-old boy was charged with murder in July. Another 17-year-old boy was apprehended on Tuesday on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and has since faced charges. Police reported that two additional individuals, a 21-year-old man and an 18-year-old man, have also been charged with the identical offence. The police force is requesting that anyone who witnessed the shooting or possesses information step forward. Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila stated: “Whether what you know is small or whether you know who has done it, please come forward because that can make all the difference – to Jesse’s family or to the community.” “Gun crime is particularly harrowing for people, it instils fear,” he remarked, further stating his objective to bring those accountable to justice and assist in removing firearms from the streets.