Detectives investigating the murder of Junior George Nelson, whose remains were discovered nine years ago in Northolt, are appealing for information to help identify those responsible.
The independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information that leads to the identification and prosecution of those involved.
Junior was last seen on 15 August 2015 in Kilburn and reported missing on 21 August that year. His remains were found on 14 March 2016 in undergrowth near railway lines at the back of Rabournmead Drive in Northolt.
Detective Constable Iain McDonald from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command said:
“It’s been ten years since Junior disappeared – years in which his family and friends have been left without the answers they deserve.
“We remain committed to finding those responsible for Junior’s death but need the public’s help. There are people amongst the community, in particularly the Kilburn area, who know what happened to Junior.
“A lot can happen in ten years. Allegiances can change and maybe you felt unable to talk to us at the time, for whatever reason, but you are now in a position to do so. Now is the time to come forward.
“We understand that those with information may be concerned, but I would urge anyone who can help to come forward and help give Junior’s family the justice they deserve.
“A substantial reward is available from Crimestoppers, who are a charity, independent of the police. – They will not ask for your personal details when you contact them, just for any information that could help identify who is responsible for Junior’s murder. To qualify for this reward, you must provide information directly to them.
“You can also speak to our investigation team. Any information you have, no matter how small, could be significant and will be treated with the strictest confidence.”
Crimestoppers’ London Regional Manager Alexa Loukas said: “We know that coming forward and speaking up can be incredibly daunting. Crimestoppers provides a safe and anonymous way for anyone with information to help, without ever having to involve the police. Even though ten years have passed since Junior’s tragic murder, what you know could be the key to bringing justice for Junior and providing his family with the answers they so desperately need. We cannot identify telephone numbers or IP addresses, and we never record calls. Since our charity was founded in 1988, we have always upheld our promise of anonymity.”
Police believe that before his disappearance, Junior was being taken advantage of by individuals involved in drug dealing in the Kilburn area. On the day he was last seen, he was at his home in Aldershot Road, NW6, until the evening when he travelled towards Wembley, which was not a route he usually took. His mobile phone was later detected in the Stonebridge Park area around 10pm, but the device has never been recovered.
Four people were arrested in the initial investigation but were later released without charge.
Anyone with information is asked to submit details to police via the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP).
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.
To be eligible for the reward, details must be submitted directly to Crimestoppers, and a reward code must be requested at the time of contact.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
Harrow Online reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each month and has a social media audience of more than 200,000 followers.
For news tips, press releases or enquiries, contact Chris at info@harrowonline.org.
