Family of Robert Powell seek answers on two-year anniversary of his death

Robert Powell, 50, was shot multiple times from a passing car following a party at a property in Water Lane, Roydon during the early hours of Saturday June 13 2020.

The father-of-three and grandfather-of-two from Grays was taken to hospital but he died the following day.

Two years have now passed and despite an extensive police investigation, no one has been convicted of his murder.

On the second anniversary of his death, Mr Powell’s mother has penned a letter in the hope of finding answers she is desperately looking for.

She said: “I am appealing and writing this to anyone with information that may be helpful in finding my son’s murderers.

“Many of you knew my son personally, some of you were his friends, others may have heard about him, or heard his name mentioned in the circle of friends you hang out with. I do not believe in my heart that no one knows nothing, because everyone knows something, or has heard a rumour from somebody.”

Robert Powell

Mr Powell’s mother describes her son in the letter as an “awesome” person who had a smile that still “warms her heart”.

She added: “You wait, expecting a phone call, hear their favourite song, or smell their clothing. The worst pain of all is on their birthday.

“I can only pray and plead to the conscience of anyone who has information, no matter how small, to contact Essex Police. It has been two years now, and we, the family of Robert Christopher Powell are asking you to please look into your hearts and help us find closure.

“I’ve lost my son to violence, and I will not be the only mother who will make an appeal for information regarding the death of their child.”

Essex Police says since the investigation was launched in 2020, officers have taken 119 statements, seized 661 exhibits, and viewed more than 194 hours of CCTV footage – but no charges have been brought against anyone.

Police would like to speak to three men in connection with Mr Powell’s death.

These are Nana Oppong, 41, and Temitope Adeyinka, 37, both from Stratford along with Israar Shah, 36, from Brentwood, who all have links in east London.

Police say Oppong, who is also known as Enz, is 5ft 6ins tall, of a proportionate build may now be living abroad.

Shah, who also goes by the name of Slick, is 6ft 1ins tall, of a slim build, while Adeyinka, also known as Limo, is 5ft 8ins and of a medium build.

left to right: Police would like to speak to Nana Oppong, Temitope Adeyinka, and Israar Shah in connection with Robert Powell's death. Credit: Essex Police

Detective Superintendent Stephen Jennings said: “Although it will never bring Robert back to his family, we will not stop until those responsible are found and brought to justice.

“It’s never too late to make a difference and help Robert’s family, and it’s never too late to do the right thing and clear your conscience.”

Anyone with information can call Essex Police on 101 quoting incident 42/84970/20.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit https://crimestoppers-uk.org/