“His life should not have been taken at 21 over a stolen bike that was worth less than £1000 to his killer”
Tributes have been paid to 21-year-old Rico Andrews after a man was convicted of his murder in Battersea last year. Josh Eno, 25, of no fixed address, was found guilty of murder at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, 23 September, following a three-week trial. He is due to be sentenced on Monday, 6 October.
The court heard that police were called at 9:50pm on Tuesday, 5 October 2023, to reports of shots fired on Shuttleworth Road, SW11. Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and found Rico with a gunshot wound to his chest. Despite emergency efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, who led the investigation, said Rico’s murder was linked to a stolen motorbike. He said: “Under the view that Rico had stolen the motorbike from him, Eno went looking for him and shot him in the chest.
Eno was identified as a suspect through CCTV and community statements and was arrested on 26 October while attending a probation appointment. At the time of his arrest, he was carrying a large hunting knife and wearing the same distinctive trainers he had on the day of the murder. He denied any involvement, claiming he did not know Rico.
Rico’s mother paid an emotional tribute following the conviction. She said: “My son Rico was truly an amazing human. He literally had the best sense of humour, quick wit and just made everything funnier. Rico was the most laid-back dude who never took anything seriously.
“Rico should still be here. His life should not have been taken at 21 over a stolen bike that was worth less than £1000 to his killer. His murder has had a massive impact on not just my life, his siblings’ lives or the lives of his friends. The community was deeply affected as well. And the outpouring of love and support from strangers has helped restore some faith at a time when all was lost.”
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