Aderahman Boumzough, 25, of no fixed address, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 35 years and 169 days for the murder of 15-year-old Rene Graham. The killing occurred on July 21, 2024, at Emslie Horniman's Pleasance Park in Ladbroke Grove, West London, during a family music festival.
Details of the Crime
CCTV footage showed Boumzough calmly approaching the children's play area around 7.20pm and firing a single shot, killing Rene. He then chased another man and attempted to shoot him, but the gun jammed, and he fled. Police arrested and charged him more than a year later.
Judge Simon James, in his sentencing remarks at Woolwich Crown Court, described the act as a 'premeditated public execution.' He stated, 'Her and the rest of Rene's family's heartbreak, shock, anger, and the emotional pain of being robbed of the opportunity of seeing Rene grow into a man, were caused by your callous and cold-blooded conduct in gunning down and killing an unarmed and defenceless teenager.'
Lack of Remorse
The judge noted that Boumzough failed to provide any explanation or motive for the violence and showed no remorse. A video found on his phone showed him rapping about the gun jamming, including the line: 'Don't you hate it when your ting jams? I was prepared to take a soul, but Allah had a different plan.' The judge said this revealed Boumzough was 'proud and boastful' about his crimes.
Rene's family expressed profound grief. The judge said Rene's mother, father, and aunt eloquently captured 'the agony of every parent's worst nightmare,' adding that 'no mother should ever have to stand in a court and speak about the violent death of her son.'
Sentence and Impact
Boumzough was also convicted of the attempted murder of another man. He received a life sentence with a minimum of 35 years and 169 days. Judge James said Rene 'should have had his whole life to realise his dreams and aspirations,' and it was 'impossible not to be moved' by the family's statements. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the investigation and prosecution, highlighting the cold-blooded nature of the attack.
