£10K Reward To Solve Fatal Drive-By Shooting

Shot: Wilson  Alexandre Garcia Varela

Police hunting the late-night shooter of a man walking to a local shop for milk have announced a £10,000 reward for information that cracks the murder case.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Stancombe, of the Specialist Crime Command, said: “The investigation so far indicates that the death of Wilson Alexandre Garcia Varela was a case of mistaken identity and that he was wrongly targeted by gang members.

“I would like everyone who is protecting the identity of the murderers to know that on the day he was murdered, Wilson was simply getting on with a normal day. 

“He left his girlfriend’s house to buy some milk and minutes later his life was violently, and abruptly, ended.

“Wilson would have had a bright future. Instead his life is over and he leaves behind a devastated family and partner who are wondering why he was taken from them.

“I have no doubt whatsoever that there are people out there who know exactly who is responsible for Wilson’s death. 

“The callous people who did this have no respect for the lives of others, why would anyone protect people like that? 

“If you know anything, do the right thing and call me now, before they harm someone else.”

Police were called by the London Ambulance Service shortly before midnight on Sunday, September 8 to reports of a shooting in Malden Road, Kentish Town.

Officers, including firearms officers, and London’s Air Ambulance attended. 

Wilson Alexandre Garcia Varela, aged 24, who was from Forest Gate in East London, was found suffering a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene at 00.10am on Monday, September 9.

His next of kin were notified and Wilson was formally identified.

A post-mortem examination that took place on Tuesday, September 10 found the cause of death to be a shotgun wound to the chest.

There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.

Anyone with information is asked to call the police incident room on 020 8358 0200.

The independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £10,000 for information that they receive anonymously that leads to the arrest of the person or people responsible for the murder of Wilson Alexandre Garcia Varela.

Alexa Loukas, London Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said:“We know that for some people, the truth may be close to home. 

“It maybe someone you know personally was involved in serious violence. 

“You may have a sense of loyalty to that individual but want to do the right thing.

"Please remember that Crimestoppers, as an independent charity, keeps its promise of 100% anonymity each and every day to those who trusts us with their crime information. 

“Share what you know by calling our UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111 or using our website’s anonymous online form. 

“No one will know your identity. We cannot trace your call or track your IP address and we never ask for or record any personal information.

"If you’re a young person, you can also report anonymously via Crimestoppers’ dedicated youth service by visiting Fearless.org.”