Police officer charged with murder of Chris Kaba
A Metropolitan Police officer has been charged with the murder of Chris Kaba, the Crown Prosecution Service has said.
Mr Kaba, 24, died the day after he was hit by a single gunshot fired by a police firearms officer in Streatham Hill on 5 September last year.
The car he was driving was followed through south London by an unmarked police car with no lights or sirens.
He then turned into Kirkstall Gardens, a narrow residential street, where there was a collision between the vehicle he was in and a marked police car that was waiting for him at the scene.
An officer who was in that marked vehicle – referred to as NX121 for legal reasons – fired one shot through the windscreen, hitting Mr Kaba in the head.
Forensics officers at the scene following the incident in September last year
It later emerged that the Audi Mr Kaba was driving – which did not belong to him – had been linked by police to a firearms incident the previous day.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) opened an investigation into the case, which lasted nearly seven months, before handing over a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in March.
The officer – who has not been named – will appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
Read more:
Chris Kaba ‘was set to become father’
Family: ‘Life became meaningless’ after shooting
Rosemary Ainslie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said: “Following a thorough review of the evidence provided by the IOPC, the CPS has authorised a charge of murder against a Metropolitan Police officer following the death of Chris Kaba.
“The CPS reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the officer are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
In a joint statement, the family of Mr Kaba said they “welcomed” the charging decision.
“Chris was so very loved by our family and all his friends,” the family said.
“He had a bright future ahead of him, but his life was cut short. Our family and our wider community must see justice for Chris.”
However, the Metropolitan Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers in the force, said the officer in question retained their “full support”.
“Being a firearms officer in London is one of the world’s toughest jobs,” the federation said in a statement.
“Officers, who volunteer for the role, know the responsibility and accountability that come with it.
“We note today’s statement from the CPS in relation to one of our firearms colleagues and make no further comment on that at this time.
“What we will say is that this decision will leave serving Metropolitan Police colleagues concerned as they go about their incredibly difficult and dangerous work.”
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Helen Millichap, of the Metropolitan Police, described the announcement as a “significant and serious development”.
“We have fully supported the IOPC investigation as it has worked to establish the facts,” she said.
“We must now allow the court process to run its course, so it would not be appropriate for me to say more at this stage.”
The Metropolitan Police said the officer remains suspended from duty and that any misconduct matters would be dealt with after the conclusion of criminal proceedings.
The force also said it would not release the name or age of the officer due to an anticipated anonymity request expected to be put forward on behalf of the defendant.
UK
Family of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe pay tribute to ‘beautiful soul’ as teen appears in court charged with murder
The family of a nine-year-old girl stabbed to death have said she was a “beautiful soul” who was brave, kind-hearted and “always put a smile on people’s faces”.
Police were called to Lime Close in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, just before 6.10pm on Monday, where Aria Thorpe had suffered a single stab wound.
The child was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a tribute released by Avon and Somerset Police on Friday, the girl’s family on her mother’s side said: “For those who didn’t have the privilege of knowing Aria, she was the most beautiful little soul – happy-go-lucky, full of light, and joy.
“She loved to sing and dance, and she took such pride in dressing up, always wanting to look just like her mummy.”
Tom Thorpe, the girl’s father, said: “It’s hard to put into words how devastating it is, our little Aria, that you’re up there with the angels looking over us.”
It comes as a 15-year-old boy charged with Aria’s murder appeared in court.
Pic: Avon and Somerset Police
Aria was a ‘precious girl’
In their statement, Aria’s family on her mother’s side said her death “has devastated us beyond words”.
“Our hearts are broken in a way we never imagined possible,” they added.
“As a family, we are holding one another close and doing everything we can to support each other through this unimaginable time.”
They said they were “truly touched by the lovely messages we have received”, before asking “that our privacy is respected, as we try to come to terms with the terrible loss of our precious girl”.
Flowers laid in memory of the young girl
‘Wacky ways and outright madness’
Mr Thorpe said: “How sad it’s going to be not hearing ‘Dad, how long left?’ on our long journeys back and forth at weekends.
He then said that Aria was “such a brave, kind-hearted and a beautiful innocent soul”, and “always put a smile on people’s faces with your wacky ways and just outright madness”.
Mr Thorpe added: “Your other little family down here in Portsmouth will forever miss you.
“We’ll miss you begging to go outside, even in the pouring rain just to have as much fun as possible in the little time we had at weekends.
“You will be greatly missed, you special little angel. A life gone far too early but I hope a life lived well. We all love you dearly. Goodnight darling.”
Teenager in court
Meanwhile, a 15-year-old boy charged with Aria’s murder appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, where he was remanded.
The teenager, who cannot be named because of his age, was arrested in the Somerset village of Worle at 6.19pm on Monday.
He is next due in court on 16 March 2026. Appearing via video link from youth detention accommodation, he spoke only to confirm his name.
Judge Peter Blair KC set a provisional trial date for 15 June during the hearing.
A teenager charged with the murder of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe will stand trial in June next year.
The 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named because of his age, appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Friday.
The defendant, who appeared via video link from youth detention accommodation, spoke only to confirm his name.
During a brief hearing, Judge Peter Blair KC, the Recorder of Bristol, set a provisional trial date for 15 June 2026.
The trial is expected to last two weeks.
Avon and Somerset Police were called to Lime Close in Weston-super-Mare just before 6.10pm on Monday, where nine-year-old Aria had suffered a single stab wound.
Flowers laid in memory of the young girl
The boy was arrested in nearby Worle a short time later.
His father was among those attending in the public gallery.
The teenager is next expected to appear in court on 16 March.
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