THE MOTHER of a young man murdered in a dark West Ealing alleyway last year is pleading with the public to do the right thing and come forward with information.
Police have offered a £20,000 reward on the anniversary of the murder of Jason Johnson, who died on Friday, November 21, 2008, in Cheyne Path, behind Cavendish Avenue.
The 24-year-old father was pronounced dead at the scene at around 9pm and a post mortem revealed he died of a gunshot wound to the chest.
His mother, Sheila Johnson-Stewart, 54, said: "A year ago, my son was brutally and cruelly taken from us all. I am left without a son, my daughter no longer has a big brother and my grandson has lost his dad, who was the centre of his life.
"If you know something, say something. If you saw something, say something. If you are afraid, don't be. Do the right thing. Imagine your mother mourning your loss. Imagine your child having taken the life of another.
"There is no worse cowardice than knowing the right thing to do and doing nothing. To those who were there - speak up. To those who weren't, but may know something - speak out. Jason can never be replaced and my heart can never be whole again.
"Do something to bring justice to a grieving mother and distraught family. If you loved your friend, if you miss him like I do every day, if your heart yearns to see him again every day like mine does, please come forward."
Police believe Jason knew his attackers and was asked to go to an alleyway known as 'dead man's alley' following a dispute earlier in the day.
Once there, Jason and his friends were confronted by a group of men and he was shot in the chest.
Detective Chief Inspector John Crossley, who is leading the investigation, said: "I know there were people present on that day who know what happened and who was responsible for Jason's murder. I would ask these people to search their consciences and do the right thing."
Anyone with information should contact the incident room on 020 8733 4704 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
