Mother's Plea To Find Son's Killer

6 August 2014, 11:25 | Updated: 6 August 2014, 11:43

The mother of an aspiring musician who was shot dead following a row at a house party in north-west London has appealed for help finding his killers.

20-year-old Rowan Thomas-Williams was shot in Harlesden in December last year.

Ruth Thomas has begged anyone with information to come forward and give his family closure.

She said: "Rowan's loss is not only felt by me, but also his father, his children and his younger sisters. Rowan was only a young man when his life was taken. Rowan had his whole life ahead of him. He was at the age where he wanted to build a future for himself and his children.

"The loss of my son is heart wrenching, words can not explain just how bad I feel. Rowan was my first born, we had that special bond, and he is and always will be my baby boy.

"I am still in shock and always will be. Rowan has been taken away and will never return. I believe that there are members of the local community who have information about what happened that night.

"I would plead for these people to come forward and tell the police. As a family we need closure, although this will never bring Rowan back I need to know why I will never see my son again."

The 20-year-old was shot in the chest in Harlesden, north west London after he had been to a birthday party, and died the following day - December 6 last year.

Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Gwyn, who is leading the murder inquiry, admitted that his team are no nearer finding the murderers several months on.

He said: "Eight months on following the shooting we are still no further along with identifying the person or persons responsible for Rowan's murder. I am convinced that there are people in the local community who have important information or know who is responsible and I would urge those with information to come forward and assist us with our investigation.

"We will be in the area appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the altercation that took place and subsequently the shooting. Since Rowan's murder allegiances may have changed and I am hoping that those who did not engage with us at the time of the incident are now in a position to do so.

"This was a callous and brutal murder and Rowan's mother and wider family have been left completely devastated. If you have any information please do not remain silent, anything we do receive will be treated sensitively and in the utmost confidence."

A reward of £20,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of whoever killed Rowan, who planned to go to university to study media and wanted to have a career in music.

Two men aged 26 and 50 have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are on bail until January.  

Anyone with information can call police on 020 8721 4805 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.