Man convicted of Croydon murder following fatal shooting

A man has been found guilty of murdering a man in south London following a tireless investigation by Met detectives.

On Thursday, 14 May, Byron Cole, 40 (31.10.1985), of Gleneldon Road, Lambeth, was found guilty by a jury at Woolwich Crown Court, of killing 41-year-old Anthony Morrison in Croydon.

The conviction 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 from the Specialist Crime Command, who led the investigation, said: “Our thoughts today are with Anthony’s family and friends at this difficult time. We hope that today’s verdict will bring a measure of comfort to his loved ones.

“This conviction would have been impossible without the willingness of witnesses to come forward. I would like to commend them for their bravery in doing so.

“We hope this investigation demonstrates the Met’s unwavering commitment to removing the most high-harm offenders from our communities and ensuring they are held accountable for their actions.”

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.

A date for Cole's sentencing has yet to be set.