Mum of murdered teen hopeful killers will be brought to justice (From Surrey Comet)

Mum of murdered New Malden teen hopeful killers will be brought to justice

8:30am Saturday 11th February 2012 in Kingston By Rachel Blundy

A mother who lost her 17-year-old son in a murder five years ago said she still believed his killers would be brought to justice.

James Andre Smartt-Ford, known to friends as Andre or Dre, was gunned down near the entrance to Streatham ice rink on February 3, 2007.

Despite being shot twice, the 17-year-old, who lived in New Malden, managed to stumble on to the ice where he collapsed and later died in hospital. Police made arrests, but no one has ever been charged with his murder.

James’s mother, Tracey, said: “I have never given up hope that among 300 people in a crowded ice rink, it would eventually be solved. I don’t believe there wasn’t anyone who saw what happened.

“I take great comfort in the fact the Stephen Lawrence case took 20 years. Justice will prevail – so long as the case remains open I remain hopeful.”

A £20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to a conviction.

Operation Trident is appealing for anyone who may have information.

Call the incident room on 020 8247 4554 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.