Teenage Boy Shot Dead in Stockwell: Murder Investigation Sees Second Arrest as Prime Suspect Awaits Court Appearance
By Ben Freeman,
A second suspect has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Lathaniel Burrell, who was gunned down in broad daylight near Stockwell Tube station last Tuesday.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a 17-year-old male was detained on suspicion of murder on Sunday, March 9. He remains in police custody as homicide detectives intensify their investigation into the brutal daylight killing.
Meanwhile, Omar Prempeh, 32, of Stanstead Road, Forest Hill, has already been charged with murder and is due to appear at the Old Bailey tomorrow, Wednesday, March 12, to face the first stage of legal proceedings.
In a further development, a 40-year-old woman, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs, has been released on bail as inquiries continue.
The Fatal Shooting That Shocked Stockwell
The violent attack unfolded on Tuesday, March 4, when police were called at 3:21 PM to reports of a shooting in Paradise Road, SW4—a stone’s throw from Stockwell’s busy Underground station.
Despite the rapid response of London Ambulance Service paramedics and London’s Air Ambulance, Lathaniel Burrell succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The 16-year-old’s family has been left devastated. Relatives have described him as a dedicated Manchester United fan, an avid PlayStation 5 gamer, and a loving brother to his only sister.
His uncle, Smikie, told the BBC:
“Lathaniel was loved by all his peers. He was always smiling—he had that warm, infectious smile.”
A local woman who knew his mother added:
“He was very bright at school.”
The shocking murder has prompted widespread grief and condemnation, with Florence Eshalomi, MP for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green, calling the killing “a tragic waste of life” and urging witnesses to assist police.
Murder Inquiry Gains Momentum: Two Arrested, One Charged
As Scotland Yard launched a high-priority homicide investigation, detectives quickly moved in on a suspect.
On Friday, March 8, officers arrested Omar Prempeh, 32, in Croydon. Just a day later, he was charged with murder and remanded in custody.
Prempeh made his first court appearance at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Monday, March 10, where the case was referred to the Old Bailey—London’s central criminal court.
As he awaits his next hearing, detectives have now arrested a 17-year-old male, further deepening the investigation. The identity of this second suspect has not been disclosed due to legal restrictions on naming juveniles.
Additionally, a 40-year-old woman was detained in connection with the case but was subsequently bailed. She had been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and drug-related offences, raising questions about potential links between the shooting and organised criminal activity.
Police Renew Witness Appeal
Despite these significant developments, senior investigating officers are still urging the public to come forward with crucial evidence.
Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lee, leading the investigation, stated:
“Though we have made progress with this investigation, we continue to appeal for anyone with information about Lathaniel’s murder to please come forward and speak to us.”
The inquiry is particularly focused on doorbell camera footage and dashcam recordings that may have captured the movements of those involved before or after the attack.
DCI Lee added:
“Our priority remains tracking down those responsible for killing Lathaniel and bringing them to justice.”
Gun Violence in London: A Growing Crisis?
Lathaniel’s murder is the latest in a string of fatal shootings in the capital, raising renewed concerns about firearms availability and escalating youth violence.
While gun crime remains relatively low compared to knife-related offences, recent incidents suggest an alarming resurgence of deadly firearms on London’s streets.
With a 32-year-old suspect already charged, a teenager now under arrest, and a third person under scrutiny, the investigation into who killed Lathaniel Burrell—and why—continues to unfold.
Police have urged anyone with information to contact them on 101, quoting reference 4116/4MAR. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via Crimestoppers.
Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all, stay safe. And I’ll see you then.
Bénédict Tarot Freeman
Editor-at-Large
VPN City-Desk
Comments