Hundred years in jail for killers of "peacemaker" Ezra Mills

Ezra Mills was shot in the chest with a pump-action shotgun on March 21, at the Central Hill estate, as he returned home from his aunt’s house.

His mother paid tribute to her "much loved son" saying he was a "peacemaker".

Crispin Aylett, prosecuting, said there was no suggestion Mr Mills, who grew up in Croydon, studied at Carshalton College and worked as a builder, was involved with a gang.

The court heard how he had possibly gone to the Central Hill estate on his way home to "smooth over a fight" between one of his friends and Lock. He was then ambushed by the defendants and shot.

A statement from Ezra Mills’ mother read: “My son was loved very much by his family and friends who truly knew him as a peacemaker. He is sorely missed by all who knew him and he will be in our hearts forever.

“The pain seems unbearable but the strength of Ezra, family and my faith is what keeps me going, it has made me stronger. I will be strong and stand for my son, stand for family and friends, and stand because I can make a difference.

“To others who have been in a similar position, I urge you to find the strength within you, lean on those who offer support, encouragement and help and for the love you have for that special one who has passed away.

“To the individuals responsible for my son's murder, yes I could be angry, hate, and wish you the same fate but I refuse to, I wish you no ill will. I will not be broken; I will grow in strength and help others cope during difficult times in their lives.

“To the parents of the perpetrators, your life has changed, I wish you well and I hope you will be encouraged to support your child in making a real change in their lives and a positive contribution to society.

“I would like to say thanks to the general public, emergency services and all who were involved in Ezra's case. Special thanks to Trident for their tremendous support, help and encouragement.

“I could not have asked for a more exceptional friendly team of individuals, especially at this particularly sensitive time. As a community we MUST realise that we need to work in partnership with the police to stop the 'gun crime' and other precious souls from dying.

“Finally I would like to pay tribute to the witnesses. I can't imagine the fear you must have felt and I thank you for having the strength to come forward and speak out.”

“This is a time in my life I will never ever forget, this devastating episode in my life because of the deep sense of loss that I and my family have experienced. I hope and pray that no other family will ever have to experience this sort of devastation.”

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Hutchison, Trident, said: "The men who murdered Ezra appear to have considered themselves invulnerable from the law due to the fear they instilled on the estate.

"Ezra Mills was alone, he was not linked to gangs, had no involvement in gun crime or the supply of drugs. He was still holding a bag with his birthday card in it when he was shot.

"Today's convictions are thanks largely to the bravery of a small number of people who overcame their fear to stand up in court and gave evidence.

"I wish to offer my condolences to the family of Ezra Mills whose fortitude and dignity has been an inspiration to the officers investigating his murder."

Marcell Mason, 20, of Alexandra Drive, Gipsy Hill, was sentenced to 25 and half years for murder and 10 years for possessing a firearm, to run concurrently.

Travelle Williams, 18, of Charters Close, Gispy Hill, and David Smith, 22, of Fingate Road, Streatham, were sentenced to 24 years for murder and 10 years for possessing of a firearm, to run concurrently.

Robert Saint, 20, from Camberwell was sentenced to 23 years in jail for murder and Dwayne Lock, 20, of Wychwood Way, Gipsy Hill, to 21 years.

Laverne Forde-Morgan, 16, from Gipsy Hill, was sentenced to 18 years in jail.

An order preventing his identification was lifted by the judge during sentencing today.