The family of a student shot dead in a case of mistaken identity today spoke of their “forever loss” and fight for justice on what would have been his 21st birthday.
Alexander Kareem was riding an e-scooter to a friend’s house in Shepherd’s Bush, west London, when he was “ruthlessly” gunned down at 12.40am on June 8 last year.
Computer whizz Mr Kareem’s sister Khafi Kareem is a serving Met police officer.
Detectives have issued CCTV of a white Range Rover found burned out on Ascott Avenue, Ealing just 25 minutes after the first call to police.
Nine people, including a 16-year-old boy, have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and released under investigation. Crimestoppers has offered a £10,000 reward.
Alexander’s family said in statement: “Today should have been a day full of celebration, a day we would have spoken about how proud we were of the young man Alex had become.
“We would have been talking about his time at university. He would have new friends to tell us about, be full to the brim with new knowledge from his course in computer science and be discussing his future plans.
“Instead, we find ourselves at a sense of loss. Loss of the bright and passionate young brother, son and friend he was.
“Our loss will be felt forever, nothing can bring Alex back.”
They added: “Someone in the community knows who killed him, they know who pulled the trigger so ruthlessly and unnecessarily at our gentle and caring Alex.
“We wait, with broken hearts, for that information to come through and potentially give us closure.”
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “The investigation into Alexander’s murder continues.
“Alexander’s 21st birthday is a reminder to us all of the extraordinary loss that his family and the community feel. Don’t hesitate, make the call.”
Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101, quoting the reference CAD224/08JUN or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
