Shock Murder in Caley Road: 25-Year-Old Xhovan Pepaj Killed in Early Morning Attack
At around 3.15am on 4 December 2021, Xhovan Pepaj, aged 25, suffered multiple fatal injuries on Caley Road. Since the chilling incident, Kent and Essex’s Serious Crime Directorate has made significant progress, arresting 13 suspects linked to the crime.
Fresh Arrests and Court Appearances
On 8 April 2022, 20-year-old Fabian Szymula from South Ockenden was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit robbery. He appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on 12 April, where he was remanded ahead of a hearing set for 29 April.
10 Suspects Face Murder and Manslaughter Charges
A group of 10 suspects were charged earlier, appearing in court on 4 February 2022. All face serious charges including murder, manslaughter, and conspiracy to commit robbery. Here’s who’s been indicted:
- Ciaran Stewart, 18, Curtis Road, Hornchurch
- Donte Simpson-Palmer, 18, Norfolk Road, Ilford
- Mohammed Miah, 25, Highfield Road, Romford
- Nathan Turner, 28, Myrtle Road, Brentwood
- Zach Cutting, 23, Roundhills, Waltham Abbey
- Ray Renda, 21, Sandringham Road, Pilgrims Hatch, Brentwood
- Nathan Rainforth, 20, Gloucester Road, Pilgrims Hatch
- Bartosz Malawski, 26, Hainault Road, Romford
- Glen Hough, 51, Larchwood Gardens, Brentwood
- A 17-year-old boy from Ilford
All have pleaded not guilty and are also remanded for the 29 April hearing.
Two Others Remain on Bail
Police have also arrested a 33-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man in connection with the investigation. Both remain on police bail as inquiries continue.
