The mother of a teenager stabbed to death outside a Sainsbury’s in south London has paid tribute, saying he would "light up my heart with his smile”.
Joseph Marafini, 15, was attacked during a fight on Garratt Lane, Wandsworth at about 5pm last Thursday, October 29.
A harrowing image showed a young girl, aged about two, inside the supermarket watching paramedics desperately trying to save a victim.
Two males were found near the Garratt Lane Burial Ground suffering from knife injuries.
Joseph, of Wandsworth, was taken to hospital where he later died. The second victim’s injuries were not life threatening.
A post-mortem found Joseph’s cause of death to have been a stab wound to the neck.
Joseph’s mother, Natalie Marafini, said in a statement: “There was only one Joseph. He was an adored son and loving brother.
“Together we shared an unbreakable bond and he would light up my heart with his smile.
“Joseph was gentle, loyal and would always help those he felt were vulnerable. He was a best friend to his brother and his father described him as ‘his brightest star’.
“Joseph wanted to be successful, study economics, and contribute something positive to the world.
“He was only just beginning to plan for life’s adventures. We were so proud of Joseph.
“As a family we are broken hearted and our grief is unimaginable. We would like to thank everyone who tried to help Joseph that afternoon.”
Officers from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command appealed for anyone with information or footage to come forward.
Detective Chief Inspector Vicky Tunstall, leading the investigation, said: “This incident took place outside a busy supermarket and I am confident that there are people who saw the suspects, or witnessed the actual incident, but have not yet come forward.
“Were you shopping around the Sainsbury’s area of Garrett Lane at around 5pm on the day of the murder? Did you see a group of five young males around the Southside Shopping Centre and other retail outlets?
“Anyone with dash-cam, mobile phone or Ring.com footage of the suspects or the events before, during or after the murder should contact my team without delay.
“There are a number of ways you can assist our investigation - footage can be submitted directly to us online, or information can be passed to us by phone or anonymously through Crimestoppers.
“No matter how insignificant your information may seem, please do take the time to share it with us, it could be a missing piece in the puzzle, or it may confirm an existing line of enquiry and help us to clarify the circumstances surrounding Joseph’s death.”
Three males, aged 17 to 19, have been charged with Joseph’s murder and remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on a date to be confirmed.
Anyone who has information, video or images that could assist police should visit mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS20R62-PO1, call 101 quoting 5042/29 OCT, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
