The brutal murders of three teens who were stabbed to death in separate incidents in London last year still remain unsolved.
At the start of the year, Newsquest London launched the 21 campaign which told the story of the 21 teenagers who were murdered across London in 2023.
We wanted to show how each victim was a young person with their whole life ahead of them.
Among the 21 was Ilyas Habibi who was stabbed to death in Sutton on December 5.
In Ilyas’ investigation, a suspect was identified, however, police found he left the country from London Gatwick Airport on December 9.
A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender in Ilyas’ case but he was later released on bail.
Claudyo Jauad Lafayette was killed in Kilburn on July 14.
On July 15, an 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of Claudyo’s murder and he was released on bail.
Two days after on July 17, two 18-year-old men were also arrested in Claudyo’s case, however, they were also released on bail.
Max Moy Wheatley was stabbed to death in Petts Wood on September 20.
On September 30, two men, aged 18 and 19, were arrested on suspicion of murder following a police appeal.
A decision was later made by the Crown Prosecution Service to discontinue the case against the pair.
On May 20, 2024, we asked the Metropolitan Police if there had been further arrests or charges in the three investigations.
A spokesperson for the force confirmed that there have been no updates on either of the cases.
Although these three investigations remain a mystery, at least one person has been convicted in each of the other 18 cases.
Here is everything we know so far on the unsolved cases of Ilyas Habibi, Max Moy Wheatley, and Claudyo Jauad Lafayette:
Tuesday, December 5:
Ilyas Habibi was found injured in Sutton High Street just before 7.10pm on December 5.
The 17-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after.
Police revealed that Ilyas arrived at Sutton High Street by train and minutes after he came out of the station he station “he was involved in an altercation with the suspect who then fled the scene”.
Officers also said that it “isn’t clear if the suspect was also injured” and appealed for the individual, or anyone who knows them, to come forward.
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Nolan who leads the investigation said: “We know that Ilyas arrived at Sutton High Street by train.
“Minutes after he came out of the station he was involved in an altercation with the suspect who then fled the scene.
“Ilyas had suffered fatal wounds. It isn’t clear if the suspect was also injured. If you know the suspect, or if you are him, please get in touch.”
Friday, December 8:
Tributes were paid to Ilyas with flowers and lit candles left at the scene of the incident.
Several candles outlining Ilyas’ name are also among the tributes at the scene.
Monday, December 11:
The brother of Ilyas Habibi told Your Local Guardian of when he "fainted" in the "traumatic" moment he found out his brother had been stabbed to death.
Ilyas’ older brother, Mr Habibi, has since paid tribute to his “hardworking” brother, adding that he was “kind, caring and generous” with his whole life ahead of him.
The 20-year-old said that he was proud to watch Ilyas grow over the years before his life was taken away from him.
Mr Habibi said: “Ilyas was my younger, he was delightful to be around. He was caring and loving to my parents and his siblings and friends.
“Ilyas was a lover of football, he would always shout at the television when he watched Arsenal play.
“The house was never quiet when Arsenal were playing because he was just screaming all the time.
“He had never done anything to anyone, was a really nice boy who was loved by everyone.”
Suspect identified
A suspect in connection with the case was identified on December 11.
Officers found he left the country from London Gatwick Airport on December 9.
Police are working with international partners to locate and arrest the suspect.
A 19-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender was later released on bail.
Post-mortem examination
A post-mortem examination gave the cause of Ilyas' death as a stab wound to the neck.
Friday, July 14:
Emergency services were called to reports of a fight in Granville Road at about 11.20pm on July 14.
Claudyo Jauad Lafayette was found injured and he was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after.
A second 17-year-old boy was also injured. A woman, aged in her early 20s, received hospital treatment for an injury to her hand and has since been discharged.
A post-mortem examination found Claudyo died from a stab wound.
Chief Superintendent Dan Knowles, in charge of the North West Command Unit which polices Brent, said: "I know that the community will be shocked by this incident in which a young man has lost his life.
"We shall be working with our colleagues from Specialist Crime to ensure that this investigation proceeds as quickly and thoroughly as possible."
Saturday, July 15:
An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and he was released on bail.
Two days after on July 17, two 18-year-old men were also arrested and released on bail.
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, who led the investigation, said: “Although we have arrested three people, I am certain that there is more information that will help our investigation.
"I urge anyone who is yet to come forward to please speak with us.
“A birthday party has ended in tragedy, and a family has been left mourning the loss of a young man who had his whole life ahead of him."
Wednesday, September 20:
Max Moy Wheatley was found injured in Jubilee Park near Tent Peg Lane at around 2.30pm.
The 19-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after.
Friday, September 22:
A post-mortem conducted on September 22 confirmed Max’s cause of death was a stab wound to the heart.
Thursday, September 28:
An urgent appeal was launched by Metropolitan Police of two individuals they were looking identify and locate in connection with the investigation.
Detective Chief Inspector Laura Semple, who led the investigation from the Metropolitan Police's Specialist Crime Command said: "Our investigation has already made good progress in piecing together the events that led to the attack on Max, and we are now in a position to ask the public for their help in identifying these two males."
Friday, September 29:
Two men, aged 19 and 18, were arrested on suspicion of murder on September 29 following a police appeal.
Sunday, October 1:
Two teens from Bellingham were charged with Max's murder.
Billy Jay Benton, 18, of Playgreen Way, Bellingham, SE6 was charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon.
Arvie-Ray Mehmet, 19, of Arnulf Street, Bellingham, SE6 was charged with murder.
The pair were charged and were scheduled to appear at Bromley Magistrates' Court on October 2.
Tuesday, March 5:
A decision was made by the Crown Prosecution Service to discontinue the case against the pair.
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