Gun 'Killa', 18, jailed for life

A teenager who called himself "Killa" has been jailed for life for murdering a student in south London with a converted Mac 10 sub-machine gun.

Robel Tewelde, 21, was found dead in a stairwell at flats at Jephson Court, in Studley Road, Stockwell, on 2 October.

An Old Bailey jury heard how Jermaine Callum, 18, of Clapham, had carried out a motiveless "cold-blooded execution".

Judge Paul Worsley told Callum, who was 17 at the time of the killing, that he must serve at least 19 years in prison.

The judge described the attack as "cowardly and deadly".

Mr Tewelde, who wanted to be a doctor, died when two bullets hit him, one of which pierced his liver, lungs and heart.

"He was not looking for trouble and he was not mixed up with any crime"
Ilfa Ghere
Victim's mother

The victim and his friends were running up a staircase at the flats to get away from Callum when three shots were fired.

Mr Tewelde's mother, Ilfa Ghere, said: "My son was just starting out on what would have been a good career and becoming someone who was a useful member of society.

"He was not looking for trouble and he was not mixed up with any crime.

"His death is a huge loss to everyone."

Following the teenager's arrest, police found his number stored in his mobile phone under the name "Killa".

They also found a draft text message which mentioned "Macs", body bags and "riding to a mission".

Callum was convicted of murder by an Old Bailey jury earlier this year, although prosecutors were unable to suggest a motive for the crime.

Ngozi Edwards, 18, of Hemans Street, Lambeth, has also been charged with Mr Tewelde's murder and is awaiting trial, police said.

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