Detectives, who are investigating the disappearance of Brixton’s Justin Henry, have charged a man with his murder.
Louis Benjamin, 29, of Waddon New Road, Croydon was charged on yesterday (Wednesday, 25 October) with one count of murder.
Benjamin appeared in custody at Bromley Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday, 26 October) and is due to appear at the Central Criminal Court on Monday, 31 October.
Police said Benjamin was arrested late on Tuesday, 24 October at an address in Croydon.
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Webb, of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “As a result of our inquiries a man has been charged with Justin Henry’s murder.
“We have spoken to Mr Henry’s family and we fully understand the deep distress this development will cause. I have assured his family that the search to find Mr Henry continues and I know they will be hoping that all may yet be well.
“However, based on all the available evidence, we have approached the CPS who have authorised a charge of murder.
“I want the public to understand that this charge does not mean the end of our appeal. We still need all the help the public can give and we still need anyone who has any information, no matter how small they think it is, to make contact and tell us what they know.
“This is not just a plea to help police. Mr Henry’s family are enduring a dreadful ordeal and they are desperate for news and are also seeking your help.”
Justin, who has links to the SE23 area, which includes Forest Hill and Honor Oak, was first reported missing to police on Monday, October 16.
He was last seen in person on the evening of Sunday, October 15, at his partner’s address in Brixton.
His family has not seen or heard from him since and says this is totally out of character.
Later that evening, at around 9.50pm, Justin was captured on CCTV buying food at the McDonald’s drive-thru on London Road, Croydon.
Police believe he drove from there to nearby Waddon New Road in Croydon where his car, a silver Mercedes E Class, remained for roughly two-and-a-half hours.
His car was later found on Monday, October 16, on Kingswood Drive, Dulwich, near the Kingswood Estate. Having viewed the CCTV footage, police said Justin’s family state that it was not him. `
On Wednesday, 18 October, a 27-year-old woman was arrested in connection with the investigation on suspicion of kidnapping; she has since been bailed pending further enquiries to a date in mid-January 2024.
Officers have conducted forensic examinations of an address in Croydon and Justin’s car, as well as extensive CCTV and phone inquiries.
However detectives desperately need more information about Justin’s disappearance and the days leading up to him going missing.
Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or contact via Twitter/X @MetCC. Please quote Operation Ashgulf or CAD 5224/21Oct.
You can also give information on Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)
To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/