Police investigating the murder of a young man in east London have named a man they urgently need to question. Jason Junior Romeo died after an altercation in Bodney Road, Hackney, at around 6pm on Tuesday. Mr Romeo, 20, was treated by the London Ambulance Service, but was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detectives warned members of the public not to approach Renaldo Roberts, 25, who has connections across Hackney and Dagenham but to dial 999 if they see him. On Sunday, an 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody. Following an earlier public appeal, Raynolph Asante, 22, of Pembury Road, Travis Mitchell, of Bodney Road, and Rhamyah Bailey-Edwards, 21, of Williams Avenue in Walthamstow, were charged with murdering Mr Romeo.
They appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Monday. Detective Superintendent Kelly Allen, of the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime North, said “This investigation has moved quickly with officers arresting four men within five days. “We are now in the position to release Renaldo Robert’s details, who we would like to speak with to assist with our enquiries.”.
Two others aged 23 and 25 remain on police bail over possession with intent to supply Class B cannabis. A family friend of Mr Romeo previously told the Standard he was “vulnerable” and that she had seen him just hours before his death. Through tears, she said: “The day before yesterday, I saw him. He gave me a massive hug.
“What did he do to be dead? He’s like a family friend to me. To me and my son.”. A school friend also added Mr Romeo was “like a brother” to him, adding: “He was a good kid, he didn’t deserve it... He knew everyone. He was cool.”. Following Mr Romeo’s death, officers in Hackney have deployed additional stop-and-search powers under a section 60 order.
Detective Superintendent Vicky Tunstall, who leads the Central East Command Unit, said: “We understand that the increased police presence in Hackney this week will be concerning for residents. “Our officers will remain in the area carrying out increased patrols. I’d encourage residents to discuss any concerns they may have with officers on patrol.
“Reducing knife crime is a key focus and we will continue to work closely with partners for a safe borough.”. Mr Romeo’s death is the fifth fatal stabbing in London so far this year. Four of the five victims have been adult males, and the other was 14-year-old boy Kelyan Bokassa, who was stabbed around 27 times as he travelled home on a route 472 bus in Woolwich on January 7.
