Fourth person charged with Kilburn kidnap and murder

Victim was snatched in Edgware by masked gang

A fourth person has appeared in court charged with murdering a father whose body was discovered in a house in Kilburn.

Tex Crawford, 20, is accused of part in the fatal attack on 38-year-old Ferell Benjamin on the afternoon of November 15, 2010.

The Old Bailey heard claims that four masked men stormed the Edgware home of Carlene Wellington, Mr Benjamin’s partner, demanding money and drugs.

The victim was then tied up and beaten before being placed in the boot of his own car and driven off.

His body was discovered the next day at an address in Burton Road and a post mortem gave the cause of death as severe head trauma.

The court heard Mr Benjamin’s distinctive pendant and fake Cartier watch were missing.

Today (Monday), Crawford spoke only to confirm his name and to enter formal not guilty pleas when he appeared at the Old Bailey via videolink from Feltham Young Offenders Institution.

Crawford, who has no fixed address, was remanded in custody to appear back before the same court on March 23 for a pre-trial review.

He denies conspiracy to rob, kidnap, false imprisonment and murder.

Samuel Prime-Fearon, 25, of Burton Road, Kilburn, Craig Smith, 23, from Harrow, and Tasheika Campbell, 22, also from Harrow, have already denied their part in the killing.

All are in custody and their trial will take place on May 21.