Man convicted of murdering 21-year-old Rico Andrews

A man has been convicted of murdering 21-year-old Rico Andrews in Battersea in 2023.

Josh Eno, 25 (19.02.2000) of no fixed address appeared at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, 23 September, where following a three-week trial was convicted of murder.

The court heard that police had been called at 21:50hrs on Tuesday, 5 October 2023, to reports of shots fired at Shuttleworth Road, SW11.

Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and found 21-year-old Rico Andrews with a gun-shot injury to his chest. Despite the efforts to save him, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

A murder investigation was launched, led by the Met Police’s Specialist Crime Unit.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, who led the investigation said: “As this investigation continued, it was apparent to us that Rico was murdered over a motorbike which Eno had stolen from a high-value dealership.

“Under the view that Rico had stolen the motorbike from him, Eno went looking for him and shot him in the chest.”

Following the murder, Eno was quickly identified as a suspect through CCTV enquiries and statements taken within the community.

He was arrested when he attended a probation appointment on 26 October. On arrest, he was found to be in possession of a large hunting knife and was wearing the same distinctive trainers as the day of the murder.

In interview, Eno denied any involvement. He claimed he did not know Rico but had heard that people in the area were accusing him of his murder.

He was charged with murder on Friday, 27 October 2023.

Following a trial, he was convicted of murder on Tuesday, 23 September. He will appear at the Old Bailey on Monday, 6 October for sentencing.

Following the conviction, Rico’s mother paid tribute to him saying:

“My son Rico was truly an amazing human. He literally had the best sense of humour, quick wit and just made everything funnier. Rico was the most laid-back dude who never took anything seriously.

“People loved being around Rico. He was definitely someone you left feeling happier than before you met.

“Rico should still be here. His life should not have been taken at 21 over a stolen bike that was worth less than £1000 to his killer.

“Ricos murder has had a massive impact on not just my life, his siblings lives or the lives of his friends. The community was deeply affected as well. And the outpouring of love and support from strangers has helped restore some faith at a time when all was lost.”