Family of 18-year-old boy who was murdered in gang feud condemn 'cowardly' thug as he becomes fifth killer to be jailed over fatal ambush
The family of an 18-year-old boy who was murdered in a gang feud have condemned the fifth killer to be jailed over the fatal ambush.
Christopher Wilson, 23, was sentenced on Thursday to a minimum of 16 years behind bars for the murder of teenager Kacem Mokrane.
Kacem, a talented footballer, was fatally stabbed on a quiet street in Walthamstow, east London, on November 16 2017, as part of an ongoing feud between two rival gangs.
His family said they would not forgive Wilson's lack of remorse and slammed his 'cowardice' after he denied his guilt.
Hamza Ul-Haq, Luca Griffiths, Abdirisak Ali, and Kamil Kazmierski were all jailed for Kacem's murder in June 2023.
Wilson, of Templar Drive, SE28, was found guilty following a retrial on December 12 last year.
Kacem's family said in a statement: 'There are no words to express the unimaginable grief that we have suffered. The manner in which Kacem was murdered, has had a life changing impact on our family.
'We will never share another meal with Kacem or watch him achieve his dreams. His caring and funny personality will only be a painful memory to us all.
'As a family we have discussed the topic of 'forgiveness'. We consider that the actions of Christopher Wilson, his lack of remorse and the cowardice he has shown by denying his guilt do not deserve our forgiveness.'
The statement described Wilson as a 'dangerous individual' who should be jailed for 'as long as is legally possible'.
It continued: 'We will be eternally grateful for the persistence and commitment of the police and legal team. In seeking justice for the murder of Kacem they have demonstrated extreme professionalism, compassion and often great patience towards our family.'
Ex-Leyton Orient youth player Kacem was targeted by the armed gang after enjoying a family dinner at around 11.15pm.
Police were called on the night of Kacem's stabbing to a group of males fighting with weapons including knives, machetes and swords.
Kacem was stabbed at least twice by the gang, before they fled the scene.
He was rushed to Royal London Hospital where he received emergency surgery. He sadly passed away in hospital, following complications, on November 20.
Following the fatal stabbing, Kacem's grandmother Marlene Sutton called on youngsters to lay down their weapons.
Paying tribute to Kacem, she said: 'He was the liveliest one in the house. He was the heart and soul. He was friends with everybody.
'He didn't see colour, he didn't see race. Everyone adored him.'
A post-mortem examination found Kacem died as a result of multi-organ failure caused by hypovolemic shock and complications arising from a stab wound to the abdomen.
Detective Inspector Ben Dalloway, from the Specialist Crime Command, said: 'Kacem's family have waited seven-and-a-half years for this moment. They have had to relive the events of that day but today we have witnessed the jailing of a fifth person in connection with the murder.
'This was a complex investigation involving a number of crimes that were linked.
'Wilson's conviction and sentencing should act as stark reminder to anyone who is involved in this level of violence that we will continue to search for you in order that you can be put before the courts.'
