Killer of Toni-Ann Byfield may have left behind sample of DNA
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails
Sign up to our free breaking news emails
Sign up to our free breaking news emails
The killer of seven-year-old Toni-Ann Byfield and her guardian, who were shot dead in a London bedsit, may have left a sample of his DNA at the murder scene, Scotland Yard believes.
The killer of seven-year-old Toni-Ann Byfield and her guardian, who were shot dead in a London bedsit, may have left a sample of his DNA at the murder scene, Scotland Yard believes.
Detectives investigating the double murder in September last year think a member of a Jamaican crack cocaine gang, known as the British Link Up Crew, probably carried out the shooting as a revenge hit.
Police will disclose today that they recovered a bread knife at the home of Bertram Byfield, 41, who was murdered in September last year along with Toni-Ann, which contained DNA belonging to the two victims and a sample that has not been identified. They believe the killer may have brought the knife with him.
Police believe Mr Byfield was probably murdered over a dispute about £25,000 he was owed for drugs. He travelled to Jamaica in June last year and had threatened a dealer. In response someone had tried to kill him while on the island.
Toni-Ann was shot in the back at close range in a bedsit in Kensal Rise, north London, on 14 September, moments before the gunmen killed Mr Byfield. At the time of the murder, Toni-Ann was under the care of Birmingham City Council.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Basu, who is heading the investigation, said: "I know Bertram Byfield was closely affiliated to a group of Jamaican crack dealers running cocaine between the UK and Jamaica.
"This is a ruthless and organised cartel of Jamaican and British-based gangsters. I believe that the murderer came from or is known to members of this gang.
"It is possible that Tony was trying to elevate himself within the hierarchy of this gang or was trying to call in a debt on their behalf and was killed as a result of his actions."
Police are offering a £25,000 reward for information leading to the prosecution of the killer.