The mother of a young knife crime victim has spoken of the devastating impact of a long-running unsolved murder case, urging witnesses to come forward and break a wall of silence on what would have been her son’s 20th birthday.
Mother's Appeal on Birthday
Yazakia Jauad made a heartfelt plea for evidence on Thursday as the Metropolitan Police announced a £20,000 reward for information leading to a conviction in the stabbing of Claudyo Lafayette. He died in Granville Road, South Kilburn, on July 14, 2023, but was well known around the Ampthill estate and Camden Town, where he lived all his life. Five young men were arrested in connection with the case, but all have been released and are no longer on bail.
Ms Jauad, who visits her son’s grave every Sunday with her family, said: “Easter was a bundle of bittersweet moments. It was lovely to see the family and we had a nice afternoon, and the kids opened their eggs. But there was someone missing. And there will always be someone missing.”
Impact of Recent Murders
Ms Jauad revealed she had been deeply affected by recent murders in Camden, including the attack on Finbar Sullivan at the top of Primrose Hill. “That day we were out as a family in Regent’s Park, and we were supposed to go to Primrose Hill for the early evening, but ended up going to Hampstead Heath,” she said. “Can you imagine if we had been there, how that would have affected us? There will be so many people who were up there who will be traumatised by what they have seen. It will continue to affect them.”
Over Easter, Ms Jauad wrote a poem about the changing seasons and grief. It speaks of carrying his absence through the seasons and that “the longest chapter of my life will be written, missing you.” It reads: “Easter is here again… Quiet and bright. The same way this season always arrives. Like it doesn’t know what it costs and it means so much to so many of us. Grief.”
Frustration Over Lack of Progress
Last year, Ms Jauad spoke about the lack of progress in the case. This week, she said that while she had been assured as much as possible was being done, she had once again been told to remain “patient.” She said: “How many times can I hear, ‘please just be patient’? Imagine me telling you ‘I know who killed your son, we are going in the right direction, just be patient’.”
Ms Jauad has kept herself busy attending protests and introducing bleed kits at schools and locations in Kilburn and Camden Town. The New Journal has previously reported on Ms Jauad’s calls for action and the failure to charge anyone with Claudyo’s murder.
Details of the Attack
Claudyo was a popular young man around Camden Town who had enjoyed woodwork sessions at the Crowndale Centre on the day of his death. He was just 17 when he was stabbed just after midnight on July 15, 2023, at a ticketed event at a community centre in Granville Road, Kilburn. Hundreds of people were present that night, but no meaningful footage has been found, and detectives say no CCTV of the attack could be obtained.
The case will once again feature on the Crimestoppers show tonight (Thursday), and yesterday the Met police relaunched an appeal for witnesses to come forward.
Police Statement
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, who is leading the investigation, said: “The investigation into Claudyo Lafayette’s death remains ongoing. Despite extensive efforts by police, those responsible have not been identified and no further arrests have been made. Crimestoppers are offering a £20,000 reward for anyone with relevant information or footage which leads to conviction. We urge witnesses to come forward. We will continue our enquiries to get justice for Claudyo’s family.”
