‘Someone knows who killed my son’: mother’s plea at vigil for Joseph Burke-Monerville

Joseph’s mother Linda Burke-Monerville (centre and front of crowd) at the vigil in Hindrey Road. Photograph: Josh Loeb

Prayers were said last night at a vigil for Joseph Burke-Monerville, the teenager shot dead in a car off Clarence Road, Clapton, a year ago yesterday.

His killers have never been caught despite police offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information leading to their arrest and prosecution – a sum that has now been increased to £30,000.

At a memorial service at St John at Hackney Church, Joseph’s mother Linda said: “There are people in the community who know who did this. Don’t keep silent.”

Joseph Burke-Monerville. Photograph: Metropolitan Police

Hackney’s Mayor Jules Pipe and Islington South MP Emily Thornberry were among over one hundred people who attended the service, at which Rector of Hackney Father Rob Wickham and Professor Gus John, an expert in gun violence, spoke.

Professor John said: “Joseph’s death diminished all of us. The fact that his murderers are still running around in our community puts all of us at risk.”

Candles were lit in memory of Joseph at the service at St John at Hackney before a procession to Hindrey Road, where a vigil was held. Photograph: Josh Loeb

The service was followed by a procession to the spot in Hindrey Road where Joseph, 19, was murdered as he sat in a car with his brother David Dele Bello-Monerville, 33, and his twin brother Jonathan Burke-Monerville, 20, on 16 February last year.

Joseph, a Christian and talented footballer from Canonbury who was studying forensic science and had no links to gangs, was killed in a case of mistaken identity, police have said.

Joseph Burke-Monerville. Photograph: Facebook

Two suspects were seen fleeing the scene.

Detective Chief Inspector Shelia Stewart of the Homicide and Major Crime Command said:  “I firmly believe there are people in the community who have important information that will assist the investigation. I am also directly appealing to the mothers, sisters and girlfriends of those who may have been involved.

“If you believe they may be responsible in some small way please come and speak with us.

“A mother has been left broken hearted because of the callous and brutal murder of her son.

“Please do not remain silent.”

Any witnesses or anyone with information should call the police incident room on 020 8345 3985. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.