By Lucy Caulkett-
Two men have been convicted of the murder of Abubakarr ‘Junior’ Jah, an 18-year-old victim of a vicious gang feud. Awadh Saleh, 25, from Chesterton Terrace, Plaistow, and Rio Burton-Devine, 25, from Burder Close, Dalston, were found guilty after a trial at the Old Bailey on Thursday (May 9).
Junior Jah met a tragic fate on April 26, 2021, in Coolfin Road, Custom House, where he was shot from a car and subsequently stabbed twice in the chest.
The attack occurred just days after the fourth anniversary of his brother Ahmed Deen-Jah’s death, who also fell victim to a stabbing in Freemasons Road on April 2, 2017.
The harrowing sequence of events unfolded when a Land Rover Discovery SUV halted near Junior, who was then shot in the chest within seconds. Saleh, identified as the driver of the vehicle, emerged and proceeded to stab Junior twice in the chest with a large knife.
The vehicle was later discovered set ablaze near Routemaster Close in Plaistow. Forensic examinations revealed incriminating evidence linking the perpetrators to the crime scene, including Junior’s DNA on one of the doors and a fingerprint belonging to Burton-Devine.
A meticulous investigation ensued, with detectives poring over thousands of hours of CCTV footage, forensic evidence, and phone records.
The evidence painted a damning picture, placing both Saleh and Burton-Devine at the scene of the crime and establishing their association with the vehicle used in the murder. Despite their denial of involvement, detectives believe the attack stemmed from a feud between rival gangs.
The verdict, delivered at the Old Bailey, found Saleh and Burton-Devine guilty of murder, along with possession of a gun with intent to endanger life.
Additionally, Saleh was found guilty of carrying a pointed/bladed article. Their sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday, June 12.
Detective Inspector Gary Harreman, who spearheaded the investigation, expressed condolences to Junior’s family, who have endured unimaginable suffering following the loss of both Junior and Ahmed.
Harreman appealed to the public for any information that could aid ongoing investigations into the murder of Ahmed Deen-Jah, urging individuals to come forward and help bring closure to the grieving family.
Information can be shared anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers or by contacting the police directly.