A senior coroner has identified "collective failings" across several public agencies that possibly contributed to the tragic death of 14-year-old Corey Junior Davis, who was fatally shot in an East London playground in 2017. The inquest, which concluded on Friday at East London Coroner's Court, heard how the vulnerable teenager, known as CJ, was excluded from school and subsequently groomed by a local gang to transport drugs.
Corey’s mother, Keisha McLeod, made repeated pleas to authorities for assistance, including requests to be rehoused in an effort to shield her son from danger. However, despite these concerns, a social worker from Newham Council closed Corey's case after he was temporarily placed with relatives outside the borough, declaring that he was no longer at risk. An independent safeguarding review, presented during the inquest, highlighted the absence of a robust safeguarding plan, even as the risks to Corey continued to escalate.
Senior Coroner Graeme Irvine recorded a verdict of unlawful killing, noting systemic lapses within children's social care, youth offending, and housing services. While acknowledging that these failings possibly contributed to Corey's death, the coroner clarified that it could not be stated as a probable cause. Ms McLeod expressed her profound distress during the proceedings, stating in an email read to the court, "I felt like we were working against each other. I was genuinely concerned for my son's life."
Speaking outside the court, Ms McLeod remembered her son as "funny, loving, kind, and full of dreams." She expressed hope that the inquest's findings would lead to better protection for other vulnerable children currently facing exploitation. "Nothing will ever bring back CJ, but I hope that this inquest means that vulnerable children who are being exploited today receive the protection that CJ needed. That would be a part of his legacy," she said.
The coroner described it as "shameful" that no one has yet been convicted for Corey's murder. Detectives investigating the case have renewed their appeal for witnesses, urging anyone with information to come forward in confidence. Corey was found shot in Moore Walk, Forest Gate, on 4 September 2017. Police confirmed that the suspects fled the scene in a metallic grey 2011 Range Rover Sport, which had been stolen from Balham less than two weeks prior to the shooting.