Daughter urges help to find killer

Police cannot find a motive for the killing

The 11-year-old daughter of a man gunned down in a nightclub has appealed for information about his killer.

Gladstone Lloyd Johnson, who was known as Wayne, was shot dead at close range at the West Indian Federation Club in Winson Green in Birmingham on 4 March, 2002.

Mr Johnson was with his girlfriend at the time, and his daughter Sasha was in the city on a visit from Jamaica.

At a news conference on Wednesday, Sasha said: "Please can you help the police find the killer of my dad."

Girl's courage

There were more than 100 revellers at the club the night Mr Johnson was killed.

Detectives leading the murder inquiry believe those inside the club may know the identity of the killer, but have been reluctant to pass on information.

Mr Johnson: Reward to find his killer

Detective Chief Inspector Graham Pallister, of West Midlands Police, said: "Hopefully the courage shown by Sasha might instil courage in those people who were at the scene of the shooting.

"We understand how fear for their own safety could put off witnesses, but we urge people to come forward and say what they saw."

Wayne Johnson was already known to the police as a result of another murder two years ago.

Mr Johnson and two other defendants were cleared of the murder of Daniel Brown, who was shot outside the Plazza Club in Lozells after accidentally standing on someone's toe.

Community help

This followed a series of shootings in the Birmingham area, many of which were linked to drugs, but police have yet to determine a motive for Mr Johnson's death.

A spokesperson for the West Midlands force said: "We will be doing everything we can to track down whoever was responsible.

"We do need the help and support of the black community and in particular the people who were there at the time."

A £5,000 reward has been offered for information leading to a conviction of Mr Johnson's killer.