The family of a man who died after being shot 13 years ago in Shoreditch, have launched an emotional plea for help to trace his killer on what would have been his 40th birthday.
Marvin Couson had been confined to a hospital bed unable to communicate or do anything for himself since he was shot outside what is now known as the Queen of Hoxton in May 2002 – but he tragically succumbed to his injuries on August 8.
A murder investigation was opened after a post-mortem examination gave the cause of his death as a brain injury suffered as a direct result of the shooting.
Mr Couson was just 26 when he was shot in his chest just after 3.30am on Saturday May 12 outside the Lime in London Bar – which was known as the Lime Bar - in Curtain Road, Shoreditch – now the Queen of Hoxton.
He had been at a commercial party at the Lime Bar with his cousin and a friend, which was packed out with about 600 people. But they fled, along with hundreds of others, when shots were fired inside the bar.
Mr Coulson, of Dallington Road, West Norwood, was left fighting for his life, with injuries to his heart and other internal organs, and was never able to communicate again, care for himself or leave his hospital bed.
His mother and sister pleaded for witnesses and information about the incident on November 5, the day Marvin, a fitter of shop security systems, would have turned 40.
Marvin’s sister Margaret said: “Unfortunately, I struggle to remember Marvin before he was shot because I have spent the last 13 years at his bedside in the hospital.
“I struggle to remember even what I was like before. What I do remember is the projectile vomit, the bed sores, the trauma that the person who shot Marvin has caused, and the loss of my brother Marvin’s life.
“Marvin should have been here today celebrating his 40th birthday, we would have made it a special day and I know he would have smiled as we celebrated it with him - now we won’t even get that smile.
“My family appeal to those who know the name of Marvin’s killer to end our suffering by talking to the police.”
DCI Noel McHugh from the Homicide and Major Crime Command who is leading the investigation believes that there are potential witnesses who did not speak to police at the time and urged them to come forward with any information.
“I am concerned some people may have a misguided sense of loyalty and are possibly protecting those who carried out this attack.
“I know 13 years is a long time but the shooting of Marvin will have been talked about and must still remain etched on the minds of guests who were there that night. Don’t assume someone else will make the call to police.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8785 8099 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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