Two found guilty of murder following Stockwell shooting

A Met investigation has resulted in the conviction of two people after the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Lathaniel Burrell in March 2025.

Investigators pieced together vital evidence to achieve justice on behalf of Lathaniel’s loved ones, while also reaffirming the Met’s commitment to tackling gun crime, serious violence and the exploitation of young people.

Two defendants, listed below, were found guilty of murder by a jury at the Old Bailey on Friday, 6 February:

• Omar Prempeh, 33 (22.12.1992) of Sunderland Road, Forest Hill

• Neo Duodu-Watson, 18 (30.10.2007) of Samuel Street, Southwark

Lathaniel was shot in the chest on Tuesday, 4 March 2025, by Duodu-Watson, who was riding a stolen moped along Paradise Road, Stockwell.

Despite suffering catastrophic injuries, Lathaniel was able to run a short distance before collapsing near a fence. Members of the public rushed to his aid and remained with him until police and paramedics arrived. Tragically, despite their best efforts, Lathaniel was pronounced dead at the scene. Meanwhile, Duodu-Watson fled on the moped and met up with Prempeh, who was waiting in a nearby vehicle.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lee, whose team led the investigation, said: “Our thoughts remain firmly with Lathaniel’s family as they continue to navigate the unimaginable grief of losing a loved one in such a senseless and violent way.

“I am immensely proud of my team, who worked tirelessly and with unwavering dedication to secure today’s outcome. Their meticulous work – analysing CCTV, phone records, social media content, gaming data and vehicle movements – enabled us to construct a minute-by-minute account of the suspects’ actions.

“This case has a deeply troubling element of child exploitation at its core. I hope today’s guilty verdicts demonstrate our commitment to pursuing, arresting and convicting those responsible for such crimes – not only those who pull the trigger.

“I urge anyone with concerns about the exploitation of a friend, family member or neighbour to contact police or Crimestoppers. Our exploitation teams will do everything they can to help. Protecting the children in our communities is everyone’s responsibility.

As part of the investigation, detectives from the Met identified an address on Union Road, Stockwell, as a key operational hub used by defendants both before and after the killing.

Inside, officers recovered drugs, ammunition and, crucially, packaging for the delivery rider clothing worn by Duodu-Watson during the shooting. Prempeh and Duodu-Watson were frequent visitors to the flat, using it as a base for drug distribution and planning.

The gunman, Duodu-Watson, was subject to electronic monitoring at the time of the shooting but had removed – and later replaced – his tag so that he appeared to have an alibi. After the attack he wrote lyrics, boasting in a drill track about “winning the beef” and appearing to mock rival gang members in Stockwell.

Lathaniel's family said: "Nearly a year on and we still cannot believe Lathaniel is gone. He was so beautiful inside and out and our lives will never be the same again.

"Lathaniel touched so many hearts and the pain of his absence is felt every day.

"We pray he receives the justice he deserves."

This conviction comes as part of the Met’s commitment to targeting dangerous offenders and tackling serious violence. At the core of this work is focussing on those who seek to exploit vulnerable children into criminality, which officers know rips communities apart.

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Background

The defendants were previously arrested and charged in this case as follows:

The jury were unable to reach a verdict in relation to three other defendants: Jeffrey Frimpong and two teenagers who cannot be named for legal reasons.

A date for a retrial is yet to be confirmed but is expected to commence later this year.

Prempeh and Duodu-Watson will be sentenced following the conclusion of the retrial of the three other defendants.