Man arrested six years after Moss Side double murder

Suspect detained in Turkey and returned to UK over 2020 shooting of Junior Ajose and Cheriff Tall

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time2 min
A 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the fatal shooting of two men at a lockdown party in Manchester more than six years ago, Greater Manchester Police has confirmed.

Junior Ajose, 36, and Cheriff Tall, 21, were shot dead in the early hours of 21 June 2020 in a car park off Caythorne Street in the Moss Side area. Both men were shot in the head and died in hospital. They did not know each other.

The suspect was detained in Turkey and transported back to England on Saturday, where he was met at Stansted Airport by GMP officers. He remains in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Higginson, from the force's major incident team, said the arrest demonstrates the force's unwavering commitment to securing justice for the victims and their loved ones. He noted that over the past six years officers have carried out multiple warrants, analysed evidence, examined seized devices and pursued every opportunity to identify those responsible.

Police estimate that between 300 and 400 people were present in the car park that night. A £50,000 reward remains available for information that leads to the conviction of the killer. The force has renewed its appeal for anyone with information about the full circumstances of the night or any outstanding suspects to come forward.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The arrest brings a significant development in a case that has remained unsolved for more than six years, offering potential closure to the families of Junior Ajose and Cheriff Tall.
  • The cross-border cooperation between Turkish authorities and Greater Manchester Police highlights the international dimension of modern murder investigations.
  • The case underscores the challenges of investigating large gatherings where witnesses may be reluctant to come forward.

Background

The double murder occurred during the COVID-19 lockdown period in June 2020, at an unauthorised gathering in a car park in Moss Side, an area of Manchester that has experienced gun violence historically. Despite extensive police work including multiple warrants and forensic analysis, no charges had been brought until this arrest. The force issued a public appeal for information on the fifth anniversary of the killings in 2025.

Key Perspectives

Greater Manchester Police: The force says it remains committed to securing justice and continues to investigate. Detective Chief Inspector Neil Higginson described the arrest as a demonstration of that commitment. Victims' families: The families of Junior Ajose and Cheriff Tall have waited more than six years for progress in the case. Police say their loved ones remain central to the investigation. Potential witnesses: Hundreds of people were present at the scene. Police continue to appeal for information, noting that some attendees may still have details that could assist.

What to Watch

  • Whether the suspect is charged and appears before a UK court.
  • If further arrests are made, as police have indicated they are still identifying outstanding suspects.
  • The status of the £50,000 reward and whether it leads to additional key information.

Sources

Zotpaper

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