The family of a young man shot dead outside a nightclub in Wembley have said their “hearts are shattered” by his loss, but welcomed the fact that “justice has been served” after a 40-year-old man was found guilty of his murder.
Tyrece Balcha, 18, from Hillingdon, west London, was gunned down in the early hours of Sunday, September 21 last year.
He was found outside the Crystal Club in Wembley Park at 5.27am and rushed to hospital where he later died.
A jury at the Old Bailey found 40-year-old Ashley Wallace, of Southwark, guilty on Friday of murder and possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.
Speaking after the verdict, Tyrece’s mother Bonnie said “justice had been served” for her son’s “cold and senseless murder”, as she thanked officers for their compassion and determination throughout the case.
Despite the verdict, though, Bonnie said it will not ease the pain of the loss of her son.
“Tyrece's life was cruelly taken from him 8 weeks after he had turned 18 years old. He was a loving son, brother and friend with the biggest heart, an infectious smile and a personality that drew people towards him,” she said in a statement.
“Anyone who knew Tyrece knew his kindness, warmth and sense of humour. Our hearts have been shattered. His sisters miss him every day, and his little brother had only just turned one year old when Tyrece died and will never truly get the chance to know him.”
“We will make sure that his memory lives on and that he is always remembered for the wonderful person he was, not for the way his life was taken. We pray that Tyrece can now rest in peace, knowing that justice has been served.”
Bonnie added: “We would like to thank the police and prosecution team for their unwavering dedication, compassion and determination throughout this case. Their commitment to securing justice for Tyrece means more to us than words can express.
“We would also like to thank our family, friends, and the many people who never even knew Tyrece but offered kind messages, prayers and support.
“Your compassion has reminded us that there is still so much goodness in the world, even in the midst of unimaginable heartbreak.
“We now await sentencing and kindly ask for privacy as we continue to heal from the trauma of both losing Tyrece and reliving the circumstances of his death throughout the trial.”
Officers from Met Police built a timeline of events on the night of Tyrece’s murder and identified witnesses from speaking to attendees at the club.
Through CCTV footage, officers established that, prior to the shooting, Tyrece had been involved in an altercation outside the club.
He was then pursued outside, where he was shot.
Afterwards, Wallace left the scene in a vehicle, which was parked nearby.
On Thursday, September 25, police traced Wallace to a car in South East London, and he was arrested.
A revolver was found hidden inside the vehicle, and forensic officers subsequently found Wallace’s DNA on the weapon.
The bullet found at the murder scene was later matched to the gun.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Clarke who led the investigation said: “Throughout this investigation and subsequent trial, the victim's family have conducted themselves with remarkable dignity and patience.
“We are grateful for their continued support and cooperation, and we hope today's verdict provides them with some measure of justice.
“During this investigation, my team used CCTV and forensic evidence, which allowed them to build a remarkably detailed picture of the murder, leading to today’s conviction.”
At the same trial, two men were found not guilty of murder.
A woman was found not guilty of possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and perverting the course of justice.
The jury could not reach a verdict on a fourth man.
Wallace will be sentenced on a date to be set.
