Grieving relatives of 21-year-old call for witnesses to come forward

The grieving family of an innocent man gunned down outside a pub will be making a television appeal tonight (Thursday).

The murder of Rico Gordon, 21, who was shot dead in Bristol on July 3 will be featured in BBC1’s Crimewatch programme at 9pm.

His mother Anna Gordon and girlfriend Maya Jama will making a witness appeal and a reconstruction of events leading up to his death will be screened.

Detectives investigating the killing believe potential witnesses could come from the Brent area as scores of people from the borough had travelled to Bristol for the annual carnival in the St Paul’s area.

Ms Gordon said: “Everybody loved Rico. He made everybody smile, everybody happy, that’s why people loved being around him.

“He was against any kind of violence, he didn’t like it. If there was a fight he’d be the first person to walk away.”

His girlfriend Maya Jama, who was on the phone to him when he was killed, said: “He was the nicest person that I’d ever met. The first person I’d think about when I woke up in the morning, first person I’d speak to. Last person I’d speak to when I went to bed. He’d make you smile if you were feeling sad.”

Detective Superintendent Sue Scott, who is heading the murder hunt, said: “Rico Gordon lost his life needlessly and we are committed to bringing those responsible for his death to justice. We believe the offenders are from London and not the Bristol area.

“We also know the area was very busy at the time due to parties taking place following the carnival.

“Gun crime has devastating consequences as clearly demonstrated in this context and Avon and Somerset Police will continue to tackle and prevent this type of violent crime.”

Anyone with any information can contact the incident room on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Shakah Anderson, formerly of Harlesden and now from Luton, is in custody charged with Mr Gordon’s murder.

Five men are on bail pending further inquries.