Man sentenced for Croydon murder following fatal shooting

A man has been sentenced to life with a minimum of 30 years for murdering a man in south London following a tireless investigation by Met detectives.

On Tuesday, 14 July, Byron Cole 40 (31.10.1985), of Gleneldon Road, Lambeth, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 30 years, at Woolwich Crown Court.

A jury at the same court found Cole guilty of murdering 41-year-old Anthony Morrison on Thursday, 14 May.

This follows a thorough investigation by homicide detectives, demonstrating the Met’s commitment to tackling serious violence and bringing dangerous offenders to justice.

Anthony was fatally shot by Cole on Thursday, 19 June 2025, when attending a wake on Imperial Way, Croydon.

A murder probe was then launched by detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command.

Cole was also convicted of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Detective Chief Inspector Dan Whitten, who led the investigation, said: “My thoughts remain with Anthony’s family and loved ones. I would like to pay tribute to them for their strength throughout the trial. I hope today’s sentencing will bring them a measure of comfort as they continue to grieve his loss.

“This investigation was a real team effort with departments across the Met working together around-the-clock to gather evidence and build a strong case, showing the level of planning and calculation behind the shooting. The Met will continue to bring those responsible for serious violence to justice, making communities across the capital safer.”

The investigation

On Thursday, 19 June 2025, at around 17:05hrs, police were called to reports of a shooting in Imperial Way, Croydon.

Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service. On arrival, they found Anthony, who had suffered gunshot injuries.

Sadly, despite the best efforts of the emergency services, he was pronounced dead at the scene. His next-of-kin was informed and have been supported throughout by specially trained officers.

Cole was arrested following a three-day manhunt.

A search of Cole’s address by specialist search teams located a firearm hidden behind brickwork in a communal area. Scientists from the Met’s Directorate of Forensic Services undertook detailed work to identify Cole’s DNA on the weapon – which was not the gun used in the fatal shooting.

Following extensive enquiries by detectives a conclusive case was built against Cole. This included building up a detailed understanding of Cole’s movements after the murder, where he sought to alter his appearance and dispose of incriminating items to avoid prosecution.