Four teenagers have been jailed for killing 17-year-old Shea Gordon after a birthday party.
In a heartfelt tribute, Shea’s mum said her son was the family’s “sunshine” and inspiration.
She added that the 17-year-old would be “missed beyond measure” and that the family was honoured to have been part of his journey in life.
Two Tottenham boys – Abdul Yaro, 19, and Kavian Vaughans, 18 – were jailed for life for his murder with a minimum term of 21 years yesterday (January 5).
Dainnan Witter-Cameron, 18, from Enfield, and Giovanni Addae-Johnson, 18, from Tottenham, were jailed for eight years for the 17-year-old’s manslaughter.
They had attacked Shea outside a birthday party in Lichfield Road, Mile End, in September 2022 after planning the killing on Snapchat.
Shea was stabbed in the street before being chased by all four defendants, who were masked and dressed in black, down nearby Alloway Road and into Morgan Street.
Here, he collapsed and was found by medics who lived nearby suffering from three stab wounds, including a fatal blow to his chest.
In her statement, Shea’s mum said: "I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a bit about Shea and what he means to us, so that you can have some understanding of what was brutally taken from us.
"Shea was the most humble young man with had the utmost respect.
“He was his dad’s best friend and mine. He was the glue to our family; now there is an emptiness.
“There was never a dull moment, he was smiling, and turning a negative into a positive with his playful personality.”
The 17-year-old, who was the eldest of six, was also described as the “best big brother” and his younger siblings’ “superhero”.
His mum said that he had got straight As in his GCSEs and had gone on to study sports science, as well as starting his own clothing brand with a friend.
She added: "Shea always noticed people’s weaknesses and he never took advantage of them, instead he uplifted others and passionately encouraged those around him.
“He never left anyone out, he was friends with everyone, and so many memories from others have solidified the caring, kind, friendly boy our Shea was.”
She also thanked all those involved in bringing the killers to justice, adding: "Shea you are and will always be loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.”
Some reporting by PA.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here