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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National
Liam Coleman

Mother of teenager murdered in Wood Green calls for radio ban on drill rap

Murder Victim Kamali Gabbidon-Lynck with his one year old daughter

The mother of a teenager hunted down and stabbed to death in a “ferocious” attack by an armed gang today called for an end to London’s street violence.

Father-of-one Kamali Gabbidon-Lynck, 19, was knifed as he sought refuge in a hairdressers in Wood Green, north London, as his attackers gave chase “like a pack of animals”.

A friend, 20, was stabbed eight times and shot in the buttock but survived.

A jury heard that the killers cycled from neighbouring Tottenham armed with a sword, machete, handgun and shotgun with the intention of targeting rival gang members.

Police in Wood Green after the attack (PA)

At the Old Bailey on Friday, Tyrell Graham, 18, and Sheareem Cookhorn, 21, were found guilty of murder and attempted murder.

Cookhorn was also found guilty of possession of a firearm with intent.

Tyrell Graham and Sheareem Cookhorn (Met Police)

Three 17-year-old boys were also convicted of murdering Mr Gabbidon-Lynck as well as grievous bodily harm of the second man.

Police said that following the attack at 7pm on February 22, members of the group “boasted about their murderous exploits in drill videos” posted on social media.

Mr Gabbidon-Lynck’s mother Melanie said “no parent should have to bury their child” and called for radio stations to stop promoting drill rap.

She said: “Why is it justifiable for music to be released about children killing one another and celebrating murders? Let’s stop hiding behind the excuse that this is ‘young urban culture’. We deserve answers.”

image

After fleeing an initial assault outside the Vue cinema complex, Mr Gabbidon-Lynck tried to drive towards the attackers before reversing into several parked cars. He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead at 3am the next day.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Stancombe said: “Having chased down Kamali and his friend like a pack of animals, they set about them with a ferocity I have rarely seen.”

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