Teenager guilty of murdering Kamari Johnson in Hayes

A 17-year-old has been convicted of murdering another boy in broad daylight – with CCTV footage showing the killer giving chase to his victim.

The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was found guilty of murder at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, 21 January.

A jury convicted him of killing 16-year-old Kamari Johnson in Bourne Avenue, Hayes, on 24 May, 2024.

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila, who led the investigation, said: "This was a senseless killing, which took place out in the open. Members of the public rushed to Kamari's aid, but were unable to save him.

"In the absence of a murder weapon, CCTV evidence proved crucial in convicting the killer. Residents around the scene of the crime were encouraged to upload footage from their own cameras to an online portal. From this, investigators were able to reconstruct the killer's movements on the day.

"My thoughts are with Kamari's loved ones, who have suffered an unimaginable loss. I also pay tribute to the members of the public who came to Kamari's aid as he lay dying, and to those who assisted with the investigation."

Police attended Bourne Avenue just after 13:30hrs on 24 May. Kamari had been stabbed moments before, and had crashed his moped in the street while attempting to flee from the killer. The chase was captured on video.

The 17-year-old handed himself into Hayes Police Station a day after the murder. At interview, he maintained that he had acted in self-defence - leading investigators on a hunt for CCTV evidence and witness testimony.

Through phone records, police were able to establish that Kamari and the killer had been involved in a dispute over a moped - valued at around just £180.

Sentencing is due to take place on Friday, 14 March.