Man jailed for killing boy, 16, in front of mother

Romario Gordon, 22, received a 13-year sentence for manslaughter after the July 1, 2021, stabbing of 16-year-old Camron Smith in front of his mother in Croydon, London. Gordon, part of a group armed with knives, targeted Smith's home following a crime spree motivated by revenge for a prior stabbing. The court heard that during the attack, Camron's mother, Audrey Johnson, attempted to protect her son but was overpowered by the attackers. Judge Anuja Dhir KC highlighted the horrific nature of the crime, stating that witnessing such violence is unimaginable for a parent. Gordon fled to the Gambia shortly after the incident but returned to the UK to face trial.

His defense claimed he expressed genuine remorse in a letter to the judge, while the prosecution detailed the gang's violent actions. Other members of the group received severe sentences, underscoring the severity of the crime. Police continue to seek two additional suspects connected to the case.