The family of a father stabbed to death near his mother’s home have pleaded for witnesses to come forward after four suspects were acquitted of his murder last month.
Jude Gayle, 30, was repeatedly stabbed on the Dunelm Estate in West Norwood, as he returned from a shop with a bottle of ketchup for a family Sunday lunch. The fitness coach, nicknamed Flip for the acrobatics he showed off to friends as a youngster, died at the scene on September 24 last year.
His family have created “Justice for Jude” posters and will hold a memorial day later this month.
Mr Gayle’s brother Jordan said that neighbours could be afraid of coming forward, and that those responsible were still a danger to the community.
“His killers are still out there. If they could kill my brother in such a cold manner, it is only a matter of time until they strike again,” he added.
Mr Gayle’s girlfriend Rachel Goodchild has been left to raise their three-year-old daughter alone. Ms Goodchild, 29, said he was “in awe” of their child when she was born, and the little girl has been left heartbroken. She added: “People keep telling her daddy is in your heart, but she says: ‘I don’t want him in my heart I want him here.’”
Mr Gayle’s mother, Pett, who is disabled, told how he had been looking after her in his final days. She said: “All I want is justice for my son, we need this for the community to begin healing. I will continue to fight for my son until we get justice.”
- Anyone with information should call the Homicide and Major Crime Command on 020 8721 4961 or 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
