The grieving family of a father and acclaimed drill rapper are still searching for answers a year after he was shot dead in Kensington High Street.
Maximillian Kusi-Owusu, also known as rapper M Lo, was killed on September 4 last year, but police are yet to identify who fired the fatal gunshot.
On the first anniversary of his death, detectives urged anyone who was in the “busy” area at the time to get in touch, and are particularly keen to hear from anyone with information about a silver Alfa Romeo seen nearby.
Police were scrambled to the scene near a block of flats in Kensington High Street shortly after 2am, after reports a gun had been fired.
Officers searched the area and found Mr Kusi-Owusu injured.
They provided first aid and he was taken to hospital by ambulance, but died several hours later, shortly after 5.30am.
Mr Kusi-Owusu was father to two “devastated” daughters, family friends said after his death.
A post-mortem confirmed he died as a result of a gunshot wound.
A 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder on the day Mr Kusi-Owusu was killed, but he was later released with no further action.
Homicide detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command who are leading the investigation on Monday renewed appeals for anyone with information to come forward.
“It has been a year since Maximillian was killed and his family are still without the answers they need,” said Detective Chief Inspector Mike Nolan.
“I am asking for your help to identify who fired that fatal shot. I am certain that someone has the information that will allow us to make arrests.
“This murder occurred in the early hours of a Sunday morning in an area that would have been busy after people enjoyed a night out. Did you see or hear anything suspicious? We are particularly interested in anyone who has information regarding a silver Alfa Romeo Stelvio seen in the area of Radnor Terrace at that time.
“Please do the right thing and come forward. If you do not want to speak with officers, contact Crimestoppers anonymously.”
Det Ch Insp Nolan said the Met’s investigation remains ongoing, and that police are “determined to find whomever is responsible for this tragic incident”.
“Whilst we have carried out an extensive investigation, including a thorough review of local CCTV, we still require your help,” he said.
Following Mr Kusi-Owusu’s death last year, a family friend paid tribute to him as “a very straightforward, energetic and down-to-earth human being”.
The rapper, whose hits such as 2016’s Designer and Pain attracted over a million listens each on Spotify and YouTube, was part of the drill collective £R based in south Kilburn.
“Fame never changed Max,” a family friend told the Standard.
“He was extremely talented musically. I’m sure his music will live on for as long as we are here.
“He knows nothing else other than to look out for his friends and family and most importantly his daughter who he would do anything in this world for.
“Our group of close friends, his immediate family, his associates are all going to be in bits after having to take this loss.”
Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC giving the reference CAD 824/04Sep22.
