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Crime Desk
Rio Ferdinand has joined the Met Police to appeal for information that will lead to the killers of Rio McFarlane an 18 year old murdered last September in south London.
Via YouTube appeal Rio Ferdinand has appealed for people 'to stand out from the crowd and be the best person you can be,' as he appeals for witnesses to come forward and give information into the murder of Rio McFarlane, 18.
The Sun newspaper is also offering a £10,000 reward, in addition to the reward of up to £20,000 being offered by the Met Police, for information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the murder of Rio McFarlane.
Rio was murdered on Monday 6 September 2024 in Dragon Road SE15. At approx 21:30hrs nearby police officers heard a gunshot fired and diverted to investigate. On arrival they found Rio, 18, suffering a gunshot wound. The ambulance service attended but Rio died from a single gunshot wound to the chest.
Like his namesake, Rio McFarlane was a promising young footballer from Peckham. He had no involvement in crime and police believe his murder may have been a case of mistaken identity.
Rio Ferdinand, as a famous footballer and role model to young people, particularly in his home town Peckham, wanted to make the appeal to help the investigation and encourage people to come forward.
Rio Ferdinand said: "I grew up in Peckham with Rio's brother Anthony and have known the McFarlane family for many years, so I wanted to do something to help them get justice for Rio's murder. I believe that the community can make a difference but it's important for people to come forward and talk to police."
Anthony McFarlane, Rio's brother said: "It is impossible to describe the loss we feel. My brother was a good young man, who has been snatched from us through this violent murder. All we have left is the hope that, one day, we will see the person who killed him brought to justice.
"We ask the people who were present on that night who may have seen something to please come forward and help by speaking to the police.
"An innocent young man's life has been taken and the community cannot allow this to happen again. My family and I ask you to please speak out and do what's right."
Detective Superintendent Gary Richardson from Trident said: "There are people out there who clearly know who committed this murder. Rio McFarlane was a decent young man and his life was cruelly taken away from him. Trident want people to come forward and talk. Share this YouTube clip with your friends and put it on your Facebook pages.
"We also want to make it clear there are special measures that we can take to protect your identity and have used these measures in many successful cases."
Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8247 4553; if you wish to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Harriet Harman MP said: "I am strongly backing Rio Ferdinand's call for witnesses to come forward and give the police any information which could help. It is vital that those who murdered Rio McFarlane do not get away with it.
"I am urging parents and grandparents to speak to young people in their families and encourage them to come forward. Murders cannot be above the law." photo credit: Rio MacFarlane
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