Kilburn shooting: Family pay tribute to graduate who ‘touched every heart’ as images of suspect released

The family of much-loved university graduate shot dead in north London have paid tribute as police released CCTV images of his suspected killer on a moped.

Tikquaan Stephenson-Walters, 28, was gunned down in Bravington Road, Kilburn at 11.06pm on Wednesday September 4.

Despite the best efforts of emergency services, he was declared dead at the scene some 40 minutes later.

There have been no arrests but detectives are seeking a lone gunman seen racing away on a white moped.

Mr Stephenson-Walters, of Queen’s Park, and his killer had exchanged words, detectives said.

The victim was shot at close range before the suspect fled north, turning right into nearby Marban Road.

In a statement Mr Stephenson-Walters’ relatives said they cannot “comprehend this catastrophic loss” which had left loved ones “crippled”.

They described him as a “loving son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and grandson” who “touched the hearts of many”.

As well as having a smile that “brightened every room he entered”, he was an “intellectual and charismatic young man who had no affiliation with any gang other than growing up and attending school within the local area”.

They added: “He grew friendships with people regardless of the paths they choose, he remained steadfast.

“The aftermath of this senseless killing has resulted in a family and community that has been destroyed. No one can comprehend this catastrophic loss. The resentment felt by everyone has crippled his loved ones.

“But a young man that mentored the young people in his life and had so much to offer.

“The family would like to ask for privacy and respect. If anyone has any information we urge you to come forward regardless to how insignificant it may seem.

“The family would also like to take this opportunity to thank the whole community and the outpouring of love, support and tributes made for this senseless act of violence to this innocent young man Tikquaan.”

The Metropolitan Police said Mr Stephenson-Walters’ next of kin are being supported by specially trained officers.

A post-mortem examination is expected to be held on Thursday.

The investigation is led by Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley in Specialist Crime (Homicide). He said: ”It’s now been a week since Tikquaan was fatally attacked on a quiet residential street. I have met and assured his family that I and my team will do everything we possibly can to bring to justice whoever was responsible for this wicked violence.

“Today we’ve released images of the suspect we’re urgently working to trace. These were taken in the vicinity before the attack took place.

“We’re deep into our enquiries and have established that Tikquaan was in Bravington Road, close to where he lived in a neighbouring street, when he was approached by a lone suspect on a white moped. They exchanged words before Tikquaan was shot at close range and the suspect then fled north and turned right into Marban Road.

“I must reiterate my appeal for anyone who has not yet spoken to us to come forward. I still need anyone who might have caught doorbell or dashcam footage to share it with us. You could have captured something before or after the attack that could be hugely valuable for us in bringing Tikquaan’s killer to justice.

“Tikquaan did not have any affiliation to gangs and so our work to understand the motive behind this terrible incident continues.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or message @MetCC quoting CAD 8732/4SEP.

Alternatively, to remain 100 per cent anonymous people can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-org.uk.

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