**Teenage Gunman Jailed for Life After Fatal Shooting** A 19-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Jesse Lloyd-Smith, who was shot in the head in an alleyway near the Damilola Taylor Youth Centre in Peckham, south-east London. The incident occurred on July 10, 2024, just yards from the victim's home. Gabriel Charles, the gunman, was found guilty of murder by a jury at the Old Bailey. He was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 28 years. Following the shooting, Charles fled the country, denying his presence at the scene. The court heard that Charles arrived at the scene in a silver Ford S-Max, which was later discovered burnt out. Prosecutor James Dawes KC detailed how the vehicle approached the alleyway around 4.50pm, where Charles exited and fired at least five shots at Lloyd-Smith. Witnesses reported that the victim's mother, Ty Lloyd-Smith, was in her flat nearby and heard the gunfire. She rushed downstairs, only to find her son lying on the ground, critically injured. Despite emergency surgery, Jesse died the following day. The investigation revealed four spent cartridges and two unfired bullets from a 9mm automatic pistol at the scene. CCTV footage partially captured the shooting, although from a distance. Co-defendant Kywan JN Pierre, 18, was acquitted of murder but convicted of conspiring to pervert the course of justice. Five others, including Ben Nguyen, 20, and Enver Francis, 22, were found guilty of assisting Charles by disposing of evidence. In a statement, the victim's family expressed gratitude to the homicide team for their efforts in securing justice. They also thanked the London Air Ambulance team for their care during Jesse's final moments. The family urged the community to unite for a safer environment for children, emphasising the importance of collective action against violence.