Tree planted for Hackney teen on third anniversary of murder

Memorial: Joseph’s father John Burke-Monerville places bench with family. Photograph: Nell Lewis

A tree was planted and a bench placed on Hackney Downs to commemorate the death of a teenager murdered in Clapton three years ago today.

Friends and family of Joseph Burke-Monerville, who died on 16 February 2013 aged 19 after being shot in the head, gathered just streets from where he died to see the tree and bench unveiled.

“It’s great to have a place to remember him, to remember the good times,” said Surafel Belay, 22, a friend of Joseph’s from secondary school.

A wreath was laid at the foot of the tree for Joseph Burke-Monerville. Photograph: Nell Lewis

Joseph was sitting in a parked car with his two brothers on Hindrey Road, Clapton, in 2013 when he was shot. He was taken to hospital but died several hours later. His twin brother was left unharmed, while his older brother was also shot but recovered.

The family planted a red oak tree, which can grow to 140 feet, and placed a bench to honour Joseph before holding a memorial service to celebrate his life.

Red oak tree (left) planted in Hackney Downs Park. Photograph: Nell Lewis

The teenager, who was studying crime scene and forensic investigations at London Metropolitan University, was considered the victim of a case of mistaken identity. Scotland Yard did not believe he had any links with gangs.

Three men were charged with his murder, but were acquitted due to a lack of evidence before the trial was set to begin in May 2015.

Reverend Gus John, a family friend and campaigner, spoke at the memorial service, calling Joseph’s death “a senseless event”.

Reverend Gus John spoke at Joseph Burke-Monerville’s memorial. Photograph: Nell Lewis

“I’ve shared the pain and anguish of this family,” he said. “Yes it is a family losing one of their own, and in that sense it is private grief.

“But in every other sense, the whole community mourns every time we read of one such murder, whether it be by gun or knife.”

He added: “This bench doesn’t say who he is, or how he died. But we hope that his age will make people want to find this out.

“Joseph’s memory and spirit will be kept alive. And we hope he might be an inspiration to others, as by acting collectively young people can bring about change.”

The memorial bench was dedicated to Joseph Burke-Monerville. Photograph: Nell Lewis

Joseph’s aunt, Cassie Burke-Monerville, said: “The situation of our family has been really stressful, and very depressing.

“You can’t imagine that you live in a community, and one day you wake up and hear that one of your nephews has been shot dead, point blank in the head. Sometimes you hear about these things, but you don’t think of them as so close to home.”

She called for action from the government to prevent similar deaths.

John Burke-Monerville planting the tree for his son. Photograph: Nell Lewis

“I would appreciate it if the government could look closely at all these knife and gun crimes that are going around and destroying especially the black community,” she said. “I always think, if it was to do with the white community something would have been solved.

“The government need to think, ‘Right, something has to be done’. I am pleading with them now to do something for the black community, who need the support.”

Sophie Linden, Deputy Mayor of Hackney, who attended the memorial service, said: “On behalf of Hackney Council, I just want to say that we are doing all we can to make sure that young people haven’t abandoned hope, and do have aspirations, and can make the decisions and choices to lead better lives.”