The inquest into the 2017 killing of 14-year-old Corey 'CJ' Davis found 'collective failings' across children's social care, youth offending and housing services. Senior coroner Graeme Irvine recorded an unlawful killing verdict and said systemic lapses may have contributed to CJ's death, though causation could not be proven as probable. An independent review found no robust safeguarding plan despite escalating risk and detectives have renewed an appeal for witnesses. Police say suspects fled in a stolen 2011 Range Rover Sport.
Inquest: Systemic Failures By Agencies Before 14-Year-Old's Playground Shooting
The coroner said that CJ was unlawfully killed [Met Police]
An inquest has concluded that multiple public agencies displayed 'collective failings' in the months leading up to the fatal shooting of 14-year-old Corey Junior Davis, known as CJ, in a Forest Gate playground on 4 September 2017.
Key Findings
Senior coroner Graeme Irvine recorded a verdict of unlawful killing and identified systemic lapses across children's social care, youth offending services and housing departments. The coroner said these shortcomings may have contributed to CJ's death, though it could not be established as probable that they were the direct cause.
Background
CJ, a vulnerable teenager diagnosed with ADHD, had been excluded from school and was reportedly groomed by a local gang to carry drugs. His mother, Keisha McLeod, repeatedly warned authorities that her son was at risk and requested rehousing to protect him.
Keisha McLeod repeatedly warned authorities her son was in danger [Met Police]
When CJ was temporarily placed with relatives outside the borough, a Newham Council social worker assessed him as no longer at risk and closed the case. An independent safeguarding review presented at the inquest found no evidence of a robust safeguarding plan despite escalating concerns.
'I felt like we were working against each other. I was genuinely concerned for my son's life,' McLeod told the inquest in an email read to the court.
Aftermath And Appeal
The coroner described it as 'shameful' that no one has been convicted for CJ's murder and urged anyone with information to contact the police. Detectives have renewed their appeal for witnesses and stressed they can take statements in confidence to assess evidential value.
Police say the suspects fled in a metallic grey 2011 Range Rover Sport that had been stolen from Balham on 24 August 2017, less than two weeks before CJ was killed. The investigation remains open.
Outside the coroner's court, McLeod paid tribute to her son, saying CJ was 'funny, loving, kind and full of dreams' and expressing hope that the inquest will prompt better protection for other vulnerable children.
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