Omar Prempeh, 33, of Forest Hill and Neo Duodu-Watson, 18, of Southwark, were convicted today (February 6).

Lathaniel was shot twice in the chest by Duodu-Watson outside a block of flats on Paradise Road in Stockwell on March 4, 2025 before the gun malfunctioned.

Lathaniel ran a short distance before collapsing by a fence where he died.

Left to right: Neo Duodo-Watson and Omar Prempeh (Image: CPS)

Duodu-Watson, who had been riding a stolen moped, fled the scene before meeting Prempeh, who was waiting in a nearby vehicle.

CCTV evidence showed that the pair had circled the area where the shooting was to take place in the hours before. 

Duodo-Watson was disguised as a Just Eat delivery driver with a bright orange jacket.

After the attack he wrote lyrics, boasting in a drill track about “winning the beef” and appearing to mock rival gang members in Stockwell.

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The murder had a “deeply troubling element of child exploitation at its core”, according to Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lee, who led the Met’s investigation.

Detectives found an address on Union Road in Stockwell was being used as a base by defendants before and after the killing.

Inside, officers found drugs, bullets and, crucially, packaging for the delivery rider clothing worn by Duodu-Watson during the shooting. 

Prempeh and Duodu-Watson were frequent visitors to the flat, using it as a base for drug distribution and planning.

Duodo-Watson donned a distinctive bright orange jacket as a disguise (Image: CPS)

The gunman, Duodu-Watson, was subject to electronic monitoring at the time of the shooting but had removed – and later replaced – his tag so that he appeared to have an alibi. 

Lathaniel’s family said: ”Nearly a year on and we still cannot believe Lathaniel is gone. He was so beautiful inside and out and our lives will never be the same again.

“Lathaniel touched so many hearts and the pain of his absence is felt every day.

“We pray he receives the justice he deserves.”

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lee added: “I hope today’s guilty verdicts demonstrate our commitment to pursuing, arresting and convicting those responsible for such crimes – not only those who pull the trigger.

“I urge anyone with concerns about the exploitation of a friend, family member or neighbour to contact police or Crimestoppers. 

“Our exploitation teams will do everything they can to help. 

“Protecting the children in our communities is everyone’s responsibility.”

The jury could not reach a verdict on three other defendants: Jeffrey Frimpong and two teenagers who cannot be named due to their age.

A date for a retrial is expected to commence later this year.

Prempeh, of Sunderland Road, Forest Hill, and Duodu-Watson, of Samuel Street, Southwark, will be sentenced after the conclusion of the retrial of the three other defendants.