Metropolitan Police

Daniel Omari Smith appeal

Video, 22 May 14:33

“Mum, we can do it!’ I miss hearing him say that…I miss him so much”

Nine years ago today, Daniel Omari Smith had his life callously stolen from him. On 22nd May 2010, a single gunshot changed the lives of Daniel’s family forever.

22 years old, Daniel was a qualified electrician from Paddington. He had a zest for life, loved his family deeply and was thinking of pursuing a career in modelling. After meeting a friend from work on the evening of Friday 22nd May 2010, Daniel began making his way home, stopping off at a KFC on the way. He rang his sister Cherrell, to ask if she wanted anything and they had a brief chat on the phone. At around 12:15am, Daniel collected his food, left the KFC on Harrow Road and began walking towards his car. As he reached the driver’s door, he was approached by someone holding a gun. He was shot once before the suspect ran away.

With a wound to the left shoulder, Daniel staggered back across Harrow Road and back into the KFC where he then collapsed. Despite the best efforts of those who came to his aid, Daniel died at the scene. The bullet had travelled into his chest, causing fatal injuries.

Daniel was senselessly killed in what can only be explained as a case of mistaken identity. The person believed to be the intended victim, a young black man of a similar age, build and dress to Daniel, went into the KFC shop minutes before Daniel.

On the ninth anniversary of Daniel’s untimely death, officers and Daniel’s devastated mother have issued a fresh appeal for any witnesses to come forward. Officers believe that people may have seen what happened and recognise the perpetrators of this crime but are reluctant to come forward. Harrow Road is a bustling area of London, even at around midnight on a Friday. A number of people in the area were spoken to during the course of the investigation but it is believed other witnesses did not come forward at the time.

Daniel’s mother, Winnie, said: “Daniel was my light and life. He filled my heart with joy and was a son to be proud of. I am still very proud of Daniel. I miss him so much.

"He held me up whenever I was down. His favourite line was "Mum, we can do it" and I miss hearing him say that.

"It used to feel like we were a family of four that stood on four pillars. But nine years ago the biggest pillar was removed. That was my son, Daniel. He filled the gap in all our lives because he was there for all of us.

"I would like to appeal to those who have information and know that these people killed my son. I would like for you to free yourselves, your minds, your conscience because I am sure, as hard as it has been for my family for nine years, it must be troubling for you too.

"If you have the information please come forward or anonymously contact the Met. Let's help to stop the suffering and pain that has been caused by these individuals."

Detective Inspector Justin Howick, of the Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: “Our investigation strongly suggests that Daniel’s murder was a case of mistaken identity, albeit nobody deserves to be shot in the street.

“We are appealing for information nine years on because circumstances change. Witnesses who felt unable to engage with the investigation at the time may now feel more able to tell us what they know and ultimately provide some much needed peace for Daniel’s family.”

Anyone who can assist should call the Incident Room on 020 8785 8119; if you wish to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Numerous investigations and enquiries have taken place over the years into Daniel’s murder. On 11 July 2012, after officers had put their best case forward, four men were found not guilty at the Old Bailey.

In total, 12 people have been arrested in connection with the investigation. Four were charged but acquitted at court; eight have been released with no further action.