A shrine for Deonte

A MAN has been charged with the murder of a teenage boy who was discovered with suspected knife injuries in Archway.

Police and ambulance services found 16-year-old Deonte Mowatt-Slater near the Elthorne estate shortly after midnight last Tuesday.

Deonte died at the scene and a post-mortem examination confirmed the cause of death as stab injuries.

Francie McCarthy, 21, has been charged with murder and appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court last Saturday.

Although Deonte died in Archway, his loved ones have paid tribute to him with dozens of flowers, balloons and photographs in the playground of an estate between Essex Road and New North Road, which is thought to be closer to where he lived.

Cards reading “rest well” and “you will be missed” accompanied flowers laid at the base of two trees in the Parker Court playground, and photos of Deonte with friends or riding his bike have been printed out and stuck onto the trunks.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, who is leading the investigation into Deonte’s murder, said: “Our thoughts remain with Deonte’s family at this extremely difficult time.

“Our enquiries are progressing well but we would continue to encourage anyone who saw anything or has any information to come forward and speak to us.

“Officers from the local policing team are continuing to carry out patrols in the area and anyone with concerns should approach them or contact their local neighbourhoods team.”

Anyone with information or footage/dash-cam relating to this incident should call the incident room on 020 8358 0100, call 101 or post on X @MetCC quoting 95/22OCT.