CCTV images of five murder suspects on bicycles minutes before a teenager was brutally stabbed to death have been released.
Michael Jonas, 17, was found with multiple stab wounds in Betts Park, Anerley, south east London, on the evening of Thursday November 2nd last year.
Police administered First Aid but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A post-mortem confirmed the cause of death as stab wounds to the chest and haemorrhage.
Detectives are returning to the scene tonight, six months on from the murder, after a £20,000 reward was posted for information that leads to the conviction of Michael’s killers.
Charges against six teenagers, aged 14 to 18, charged with Michael’s murder were dropped in January.
Now detectives are making a fresh appeal for new information alongside CCTV footage of five male suspects riding bikes.
One is described as a black male, riding a BMX style bike with a silver frame and red writing.
The second suspect is described as black and riding a bike with silver coloured handles.
The third suspect is described as black and riding a black framed bike with a brown saddle and reflector on the wheels.
Suspect four is described as white and riding a mountain style bike with a rear mud guard and thick black tyres.
The fifth Suspect is described as a light skinned black male with a plait hairstyle and riding a black framed bike with silver mud guards. The rear wheel is also described as having a metal frame and a flashing red light at the back.
DCI Richard Leonard said: “On the evening of Thursday November 2nd, Michael was walking through Betts Park when was chased by a group of males and killed.
“Today I have released CCTV footage of five male suspects on bikes whom I would like to identify as part of this investigation.
“Just 20 minutes before Michael’s murder, they were seen on CCTV travelling from McDonalds in Penge to Annerley Way; the road just outside the park where Michael died a short while later.
“The suspects also match the description provided by individuals who witnessed Michael being chased in the park.
“He was found by officers lying in complete darkness but in a busy park so I’m confident someone out there knows what happened that evening and has vital information that could help us identify those involved in Michael’s death.”
He added: “I would like to reassure the public that any information, no matter how small, will be treated in the strictest confidence.
“Michael was a young man whose life was brutally taken too soon.
“If you have any information, I urge you to get in touch and help us get justice for Michael.”
Michael’s father, also called Michael, said: “The death of my son Michael Jonas has destroyed my family.
“Michael was just a boy. He had only just turned 17 when he was taken away from us in the most brutal way.
“Michael’s siblings are still in shock and I have struggled to explain his death to them.
“My family and I are still devastated. Please help the police to find those responsible and get justice for Michael.”
